12 Questions
What is the majority of CO2 transported via?
bicarbonate
What enzyme catalyses the conversion of CO2 into carbonic acid?
carbonic anhydrase
What is the purpose of the chloride shift in red blood cells?
to exchange bicarbonate and chloride ions
What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells?
Carbonic anhydrase catalyses the conversion of CO2 into carbonic acid.
How is bicarbonate formed in red blood cells?
Bicarbonate is formed when carbonic acid is hydrolysed.
What happens to the H+ ion in red blood cells?
The H+ ion is bound by haemoglobin.
What happens to H+ and bicarbonate at the lungs?
H+ dissociates from haemoglobin and combines with bicarbonate to form carbonic acid.
What is the purpose of the chloride shift in red blood cells?
The chloride shift allows for the exchange of bicarbonate and chloride ions across the RBC membrane.
Why can't HCO3- ions easily cross the RBC membrane?
HCO3- ions are charged and cannot easily cross the cell membrane.
How is CO2 transported out of tissues?
CO2 diffuses down its concentration gradient into red blood cells.
What is the role of haemoglobin in buffering the process?
Haemoglobin binds to H+ ions to maintain the balance.
What enzyme catalyses the conversion of carbonic acid back to CO2 and water?
Carbonic anhydrase catalyses the conversion of carbonic acid back to CO2 and water.
Test your knowledge on the role of bicarbonate in CO2 transport and the enzymatic conversion of CO2 into carbonic acid. Explore how bicarbonate is hydrolyzed and the role of haemoglobin in buffering the process.
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