Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System Related

Review Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System related questions and content

Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported as

  • A. solute dissolved in the plasma
  • B. carbaminohemoglobin
  • C. bicarbonate ions
  • D. solute dissolved in the cytoplasm of red blood cells
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bicarbonate ions. Carbon dioxide in the blood mainly combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. The majority of carbon dioxide is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions. This process occurs in red blood cells via the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Choices A and D are incorrect as carbon dioxide mainly combines with water and does not remain as a solute in plasma or cytoplasm. Choice B, carbaminohemoglobin, is a minor way carbon dioxide is transported, where a small amount binds to hemoglobin, but the majority is transported as bicarbonate ions.