The majority of carbon dioxide is transported:
A)as carbonic acid.
B)dissolved in plasma.
C)as carbaminohemoglobin.
D)as the bicarbonate ion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The majority of carbon dioxide is transported as the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in the plasma. When carbon dioxide reacts with water in the plasma, it forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions (H+). The bicarbonate ion is then transported in the plasma to the lungs, where it is converted back into carbon dioxide through a reversal of these reactions, and is then exhaled.

The Majority of Carbon Dioxide Is Transported