Question

Carbon dioxide is stored in the bicarbonate ion with the reaction occurring both in the red blood cell and in the blood. the reaction occurs in the blood however without:

Answer 1

Out of the following given choices;

Select one:

 

a. hydrogen ions

 

b. carbonic acid

 

c. carbonic anhydrase

 

d. water

The answer is C. carbonic anhydrase is found in red blood cells and is used to catalyze the forward and reverse reactions of H2O + CO2 ---à H2CO3 in tissues and lungs. However, in the plasma, this reaction is spontaneous in the presence of water and carbon dioxide (but slower to that of RBC). It is important in the regulation of pH of blood. The carbonic acid dissociates into H3 +  and - HCO3 ions and back to carbonic acid in an equilibrated and balanced reaction.