What component of blood is responsible for transporting carbon dioxide?

The correct answer is plasma. Plasma is the liquid component of blood that makes up about 55% of its total volume. It serves multiple roles, including the transportation of various substances throughout the body. One of its key functions is the transport of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is produced by cells as a byproduct of metabolism and is taken up by the blood, where some of it is dissolved directly in the plasma, while a significant portion is converted to bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) for easier transport.

In addition to carbon dioxide, plasma carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products, contributing to maintaining homeostasis and proper physiological function. The role of red blood cells primarily involves oxygen transport, while the other components, such as white blood cells and platelets, serve functions related to immune response and blood clotting, respectively.