Multiple Choice
Which of the following explains why hemoglobin in RBCs binds to O 2 in the lungs but releases O2 in muscle tissues? (Select all that apply).
8. Protein Function
Hemoglobin Binding in Tissues & Lungs
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How is the vast majority of carbon dioxide transported in the blood from the tissues to the lungs?
A
As diffused gas bubbles of CO2, just as in carbonated soft drinks.
B
As bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
C
As carbamate groups bound directly to deoxyhemoglobin.
D
As carbon monoxide.
E
As carbon compounds and oxygen radicals.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a byproduct of cellular respiration and needs to be transported from tissues to the lungs for exhalation.
Recognize that CO2 is transported in the blood in three main forms: dissolved in plasma, chemically bound to hemoglobin, and as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
Focus on the fact that the majority of CO2 is transported as bicarbonate ions. This process involves the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which catalyzes the reaction of CO2 with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) quickly dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). The bicarbonate ions are then transported in the plasma.
In the lungs, the process is reversed: bicarbonate ions are converted back to CO2, which is then exhaled. This efficient transport mechanism ensures that CO2 is effectively removed from the body.
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