Which component of blood is responsible for transporting carbon dioxide?

The component of blood responsible for transporting carbon dioxide is red blood cells. These cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues. Hemoglobin also plays a crucial role in transporting carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, where it can be exhaled. Approximately 20-25% of carbon dioxide in the blood is carried bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells, while the rest is dissolved in plasma or transported as bicarbonate ions. This efficient transport mechanism is vital for maintaining the body’s pH balance and ensuring that cells receive the necessary oxygen while effectively removing carbon dioxide waste.