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What happens to oxyhaemoglobin in the tissues of the body?

  1. It becomes carbon dioxide and is exhaled

  2. It releases oxygen to the cells for metabolic processes

  3. It converts back to its original form with carbon monoxide

  4. It travels back to the lungs without any changes

The correct answer is: It releases oxygen to the cells for metabolic processes

Oxyhaemoglobin plays a crucial role in the transport of oxygen in the body. When it reaches the tissues, particularly in areas where oxygen concentration is lower (due to cellular respiration), oxyhaemoglobin releases oxygen. This process is facilitated by the lower pH and higher carbon dioxide concentration found in active tissues, which promotes the release of oxygen based on the Bohr effect. The oxygen that is released from oxyhaemoglobin is essential for cellular metabolism, as cells utilize it for aerobic respiration to produce energy. This effective unloading of oxygen ensures that tissues receive the necessary fuel for their metabolic activities, which is vital for maintaining cellular functions and overall homeostasis.