What process occurs in red blood cells (RBCs) when CO2 levels increase?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological changes that occur in red blood cells when there is an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Specifically, it focuses on the processes related to carbon dioxide transport and regulation in the body.
Answer
Increased CO2 in RBCs leads to the conversion into bicarbonate via carbonic anhydrase, followed by a chloride shift.
When CO2 levels increase, carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells converts CO2 into bicarbonate (HCO3−) and hydrogen ions (H+). This reaction is part of the chloride shift, where chloride ions move into the RBCs to maintain electrical neutrality.
Answer for screen readers
When CO2 levels increase, carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells converts CO2 into bicarbonate (HCO3−) and hydrogen ions (H+). This reaction is part of the chloride shift, where chloride ions move into the RBCs to maintain electrical neutrality.
More Information
The chloride shift is essential for efficient gas exchange and helps in CO2 transport in the form of bicarbonate ions, which are more soluble in blood.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook the role of carbonic anhydrase and the importance of maintaining electrical neutrality with the chloride shift.
Sources
- Physiology, Carbon Dioxide Transport - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Transport of Carbon Dioxide in the Blood | Biology for Majors II - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Chloride shift - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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