Due to the activity of carbonic anhydrase, within the lung there is a concentration gradient of _______ that is higher in the _______ than in the _______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbonic anhydrase facilitates the conversion of CO2 and water into carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. In the lungs, this reaction is reversed to release CO2 for exhalation. Thus, there is a higher concentration gradient of CO2 (CO₂) in the red blood cells (RBC) than in the alveoli, promoting the diffusion of CO2 out of the blood and into the lungs for exhalation.

Due to the Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase, Within the Lung