Exemplar Problems

Question:

What are the major transport mechanisms for CO2 ? Explain.

Answer:

Major Transport Mechanisms for CO2: The major transport mechanisms for carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream are as follows:

Dissolved CO2: A small portion of CO2 is carried in the blood in a dissolved form.

Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-): The majority of CO2 is converted to bicarbonate ions in red blood cells, where it combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. Bicarbonate ions are transported in the plasma.

Carbaminohemoglobin: Some CO2 binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming carbaminohemoglobin.