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Oxygen Exchange in red blood cells

O2/CO2 exchange in erythrocytes

Hemoglobin takes up oxygen in the lungs and releases it in body tissues while red blood cells help transport carbon dioxide in the opposite direction.

REACTOME IDENTIFIERR-HSA-1480926View source record ↗

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

Red blood cells pick up oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to the body's tissues. is the protein that carries most of this oxygen. As oxygen is delivered, the blood also picks up some to carry back to the lungs.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
Main carrierHemoglobin
Cell typeErythrocytes
Core processReversible oxygen binding and carbon dioxide exchange

Follow the Connections

See how Oxygen Exchange in red blood cells links to other biological records.

Open network
Molecular complexAdult Hemoglobin Aparticipates in
All 1 Structured Connections
Adult Hemoglobin A · Molecular complexPARTICIPATES IN →Oxygen Exchange in red blood cells · Pathway

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Oxygen Exchange in red blood cells.

pathwayO2/CO2 exchange in erythrocytes (R-HSA-1480926)Reactome · Homo sapiens databaseHemoglobin (R-ICO-012815)Reactome
Research Claims

Erythrocytes take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide in lung capillaries; exchange reverses in other tissues.