Most of the carbon dioxide transported by the blood (approximately 70%) is
A) dissolved in plasma.
B) bound to hemoglobin.
C) transported as bicarbonate ions in the plasma.
D) bound to the same protein as carbon dioxide.
E) carried by white blood cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate ions in the red blood cells by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. These ions are then transported in the plasma to the lungs, where they are converted back to carbon dioxide and exhaled. Approximately 70% of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported in this way.

Most of the Carbon Dioxide Transported by the Blood (Approximately