Question

Although much $C{O}_2$ is carried in blood, yet blood does not become acidic, because

• A. $C{O}_2$ is absorbed by the leukocytes
• B. $C{O}_2$ combines with water to form $H_{2}C{O}_3$ which is neutralised by $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3$
• C. $C{O}_2$ transport and blood buffers play an important role in it
• D. it is continuously diffused through the tissues and is not allowed to accumulate.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$C{O}_2$ transport and blood buffers play an important role in it

Although much C$O_2$ is carried in the blood, yet blood does not become acidic. It is due to C$O_2$ transport and buffering action of blood. The main buffer present in the blood is bicarbonate (which is formed during C$O_2$ transport in the blood). Bicarbonates exist in equilibrium with carbonic acid which in turn can be converted to C$O_2$ and water.

$H_{2}O+C{O}_2\leftrightharpoons H_{2}C{O}_3\leftrightharpoons H^{+}+HC{O}_3^{-}$

So the correct answer is 'CO2 transport and blood buffers play an important role in it'.