What happens to carbonic acid as oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood during external respiration?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the chemical behavior of carbonic acid in the context of gas exchange during external respiration, specifically regarding its reaction to the diffusion of oxygen into the blood.
Answer
Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate.
The carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The hydrogen ion is rapidly buffered by binding to hemoglobin, and bicarbonate diffuses into the plasma while chloride moves into red blood cells to maintain electrochemical neutrality.
Answer for screen readers
The carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. The hydrogen ion is rapidly buffered by binding to hemoglobin, and bicarbonate diffuses into the plasma while chloride moves into red blood cells to maintain electrochemical neutrality.
More Information
When oxygen diffuses into the blood during external respiration, carbonic acid dissociates, aiding in the efficient release of carbon dioxide and maintenance of blood pH balance.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that carbonic acid remains stable or that it directly converts back to carbon dioxide without dissociation. Understanding the role of buffer systems is crucial.
Sources
- Physiology, Carbon Dioxide Transport - StatPearls - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Transport of Gases | Anatomy and Physiology II - courses.lumenlearning.com
