Question

The majority of carbon dioxide produced by our body cells is transported to the lungs as

• A. dissolved in the blood
• B. attached to hemoglobin
• C. as carbonates
• D. as bicarbonates

Answer 1

The correct option is D

as bicarbonates

The correct option is D.

Explanation for correct option:

1. When systemic arterial blood flows through the capillaries, carbon dioxide is released from the tissues into the blood.
2. There are three ways that CO₂ from the tissue is transported to the lungs:
   1. Dissolved in the blood
   2. Binding to hemoglobin (carbaminohemoglobin)
   3. Forming bicarbonate and hydrogen ions.
   4. Most CO₂ is transported in the form of bicarbonate.

Final answer: The majority of carbon dioxide produced by our body cells is transported to the lungs as bicarbonates.