Question

Identify the correct statement with reference to transport of respiratory gases by blood.

• A. Haemoglobin is necessary for transport of carbon dioxide and carbonic anhydrase for transport of oxygen
• B. Haemoglobin is necessary for transport of oxygen and carbonic anhydrase for transport of carbon dioxide
• C. Only oxygen is transported by blood
• D. Only carbon dioxide is transported by blood

Answer 1

The correct option is B Haemoglobin is necessary for transport of oxygen and carbonic anhydrase for transport of carbon dioxide

Both carbon dioxide and oxygen are transported by blood. Haemoglobin is necessary for the transport of oxygen. Approximately 97% of oxygen is transported in the form of oxyhaemoglobin, while most of the carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ion, therefore, carbonic anhydrase is a very important enzyme for the transport of $C{O}_2$ as it catalyses the conversion of $C{O}_2$ to carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions.
Carbonic anhydrase is not involved in the transport of oxygen.