1.

List three major forms in which CO2 is transported in our blood. Explain briefy the mechanism of CO2 transport in dissolved state.

Answer»

Carbon dioxide is transported as carbonic acid, as carbamino- haemoglobin and as bicarbonates. In tissues, about 7% of CO2 is carried in dissolved state through plasma. Carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid and is carried to lungs. This reaction mainly occurs in RBCs as it is catalysed by zinc-activated enzyme, carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc enzyme that speeds up the formation of carbonic acid.

CO2 + H O→ H2 CO3

                      (Carbonic acid)

Since the process of forming carbonic acid is slow, only a small amount of carbon dioxide is carried this way.



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