Which of the following is a function of erythrocytes?

• A. Breaking down old red blood cells
• B. Producing antibodies to fight infections
• C. Transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues
• D. Secreting hormones to regulate blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Erythrocytes, commonly known as red blood cells, have a primary function related to the transport of gases.
2. Understand that erythrocytes contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen in the lungs.
3. Once oxygen is bound to hemoglobin, erythrocytes transport it through the bloodstream to various tissues in the body.
4. In the tissues, oxygen is released from hemoglobin and used for cellular respiration, a process that generates energy for the cells.
5. Additionally, erythrocytes help in transporting carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.