97% of O₂ transport occurs by:

The correct answer is RBCs

Concept:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and oxygen (O₂) are both gases that are transported in the blood, but their solubility in blood plasma differs significantly.
• The solubility of a gas in a liquid is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the nature of the gas itself.
• CO₂ is more soluble in blood plasma than O₂, which facilitates its transport from tissues to the lungs for exhalation.

Explanation:

• About 97 percent of O₂ is transported by RBCs in the blood. The remaining 3 percent of O₂ is carried in a dissolved state through the plasma.
• Nearly 20-25 percent of CO₂ is transported by RBCs whereas 70 percent of it is carried as bicarbonate. About 7 percent of CO₂ is carried in a dissolved state through plasma.