Describe5 marksChallenge
In an investigation of gas transport in a mammal, the partial pressures of oxygen (pO₂) and carbon dioxide (pCO₂) and the percentage saturation of haemoglobin were measured in blood leaving the lungs and in blood leaving respiring skeletal muscle at rest and during intense exercise. The results are shown in the table.
| Location | pO₂ / kPa | pCO₂ / kPa | Haemoglobin saturation / % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lung (alveoli) | 13.3 | 5.3 | 98 |
| Muscle (rest) | 5.3 | 6.0 | 75 |
| Muscle (exercise) | 2.7 | 8.0 | 35 |
Describe the roles of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, using the data to support your answer.