Carbon Dioxide is Transported Mainly _______

Question

Carbon dioxide is transported mainly _______.
A) as bicarbonate ions
B) dissolved in the plasma
C) bound to hemoglobin
D) as carbonic acid

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is mostly transported in the form of bicarbonate ions in the plasma, as it is more soluble and stable than dissolved CO2 or carbonic acid. This reaction is facilitated by the carbonic anhydrase enzyme present in red blood cells. Carbon dioxide can also bind to hemoglobin in a reversible manner, but this method is not the primary mode of transport.