Question
Name two compounds in which carbon (IV) oxide is carried in red blood cells
Answer
1. Bicarbonate ions - Dissociated carbonic acid.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin - Some CO2 is transported bound to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells
The majority of CO2 is transported as bicarbonate ions due to the reversible nature of the carbonic anhydrase-catalyzed reaction, which allows for the easy conversion of CO2 to a form that can be carried in the blood without significantly altering blood pH.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin - Some CO2 is transported bound to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells
The majority of CO2 is transported as bicarbonate ions due to the reversible nature of the carbonic anhydrase-catalyzed reaction, which allows for the easy conversion of CO2 to a form that can be carried in the blood without significantly altering blood pH.
Related Questions
Related Topics