CO2 Transport and Partial Pressure

Step 1: CO2 diffusion from tissues into blood = CO2 moves from an area of higher partial pressure to an area of lower partial pressure Step 2: CO2 reaction with water in the blood = CO2 reacts with water to form bicarbonate ions Step 3: Bicarbonate ion transportation to the lungs = Bicarbonate ions are transported to the lungs Step 4: CO2 release in the lungs = Bicarbonate ions combine with hydrogen ions to release CO2 and water

Tissues = Location where CO2 diffusion into the blood occurs Blood = Location where CO2 reacts with water to form bicarbonate ions Lungs = Location where CO2 is released by bicarbonate ions Hydrogen ions = Substance that combines with bicarbonate ions to release CO2 in the lungs

CO2 transport is dependent on the partial pressure of CO2 = CO2 moves from areas of higher to lower partial pressure The partial pressure of CO2 in the tissues is higher than in the blood = CO2 diffuses from the tissues into the blood The partial pressure of CO2 in the lungs is lower than in the blood = CO2 diffuses from the blood into the lungs CO2 transportation helps maintain the acid-base balance in the body = CO2 is a byproduct of cellular respiration and needs to be removed

Bicarbonate ions = Formed when CO2 reacts with water in the blood and transported to the lungs Hydrogen ions = Combine with bicarbonate ions to release CO2 in the lungs Carbonate ions = Not involved in the transportation of CO2 Oxygen ions = Not involved in the transportation of CO2

CO2 diffusion = Occurs in the tissues and lungs CO2 reaction with water = Occurs in the blood Transport of bicarbonate ions = Occurs from the blood to the lungs CO2 release = Occurs in the lungs