Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood

Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in three main ways: (i) In the form Of bicarbonate ions. (ii) In the form Of carboxyhaemoglobin. (iii) Dissolved in plasma.

Approximately 70% of carbon dioxide is carried in the blood as bicarbonate ions.

Carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid in the presence of enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

<p>Carbonic acid dissociates to form hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Haemoglobin buffers the hydrogen ions formed, preventing the increase in blood acidity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The chloride shift refers to the movement of chloride ions in the opposite direction of bicarbonate ions, maintaining the balance of ions on either side of the red blood cell membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bicarbonate ions combine with sodium to form sodium bicarbonates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The buffer mechanism in blood maintains the blood pH at approximately 7.4.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The special bicarbonate-chloride carrier proteins are called bicarbonate-chloride carrier proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The transport of CO2 depends on the partial pressure of CO2.</p> Signup and view all the answers