Which of the following statements are true of dissolved CO₂?
I.The rate of reaction between CO₂ and H₂O in the plasma is quite slow.
II.The amount of CO₂ carried as H₂CO₃ in the plasma is quite small.
III.The amount of H₂CO₃ in the plasma is a major determinant of the blood's H⁺ concentration (pH) .
IV.The amount of H₂CO₃ in the plasma is not an important determinant of the blood's H⁺concentration (pH) .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of this reaction is quite slow in the plasma because H₂CO₃ accumulates, slowing the reaction's movement to the right. Moreover, no enzyme is present in the plasma, as it is in the erythrocyte, to catalyze and speed up the reaction. Therefore, the amount of CO₂ carried as H₂CO₃ in the plasma is quite small. Small as it is, the amount of H₂CO₃ in the plasma is a major determinant of the blood's H⁺ concentration (pH). Because dissolved CO₂ determines the concentration of plasma H₂CO₃, dissolved CO₂ plays a key role in determining the blood pH.

Which of the Following Statements Are True of Dissolved CO2

Which of the Following Statements Are True of Dissolved CO₂