Question:medium

Approximately seventy percent of carbon-dioxide absorbed by the blood will be transported to the lungs

Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • In the form of dissolved gas molecules
  • By binding to R.B.C.
  • As bicarbonate ions
  • As bicarbonate ions
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To understand how carbon dioxide is transported in the blood, it's essential to comprehend the carbon dioxide transport mechanisms in the circulatory system. About 70% of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by the blood is carried to the lungs in the form of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).

Here's the step-by-step explanation:

  • CO2 Dissolution: When CO2 is produced in the tissues, it diffuses into the blood plasma, where some of it dissolves directly in the plasma, and a small portion binds to hemoglobin.
  • Formation of Carbonic Acid: The majority of CO2 reacts with water in the red blood cells to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.
  • Ion Formation: The carbonic acid quickly dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+).
  • Bicarbonate Transport: The bicarbonate ions are then transported out of the red blood cells into the plasma, and transported to the lungs via the bloodstream.
  • Reverse Process in Lungs: In the lungs, bicarbonate ions re-enter the red blood cells and are converted back to CO2 and water, which allows CO2 to be expelled out of the body during exhalation.

Thus, the correct answer is: As bicarbonate ions. This mechanism ensures effective CO2 removal from the tissues and transport to the lungs for exhalation.

Other options like dissolved gas molecules or binding directly to red blood cells are responsible for a smaller proportion of CO2 transport, making the bicarbonate mechanism the most significant one.

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