After CO₂ is produced by tissues,in what form is most of that carbon transported to the lungs for removal from the body?

Question

After CO₂ is produced by tissues,in what form is most of that carbon transported to the lungs for removal from the body?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The majority of CO₂ from tissues is transported to the lungs in the form of dissolved bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in the plasma, which is formed by the reaction of CO₂ with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which then dissociates into HCO₃⁻ and H+. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, but carbonic anhydrase itself is not transported to the lungs. CO₂ can also be transported in a smaller amount by being bound to hemoglobin or dissolved directly in the plasma, but these do not make up the majority of CO₂ transport.

After CO₂ Is Produced by Tissues,in What Form Is Most of That