AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Red and white blood cells and platelets float in your plasma, and together make up whole blood. Your body contains between 5 to 6 quarts (5 liters) of blood.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plasma is the fluid in which the formed elements are suspended. A sample of blood spun in a centrifuge reveals that plasma is the lightest component. It floats at the top of the tube separated from the heaviest elements, the erythrocytes, by a buffy coat of leukocytes and platelets.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your blood is made up of liquid and solids. The liquid part, called plasma, is made of water, salts, and protein. Over half of your blood is plasma. The solid part of your blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells (RBC) deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nutrients absorbed from the gut or from other organs of origin are carried in the plasma, such as glucose, fats, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Plasma also contains dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, in small amounts, as well as a significant amount of nitrogen.