RESP- CO2 Transport

Question 1

how is carbon dioxide transported in the body

Answer 1

dissolved in plasma, carbonic acid, bound to haemoglobin

most is dissolved in plasma as CO2 has a higher H2O solubility than oxygen

CO2 binds to haemoglobin at a different site than oxygen

Question 2

how does CO2 form carbonic acid

Answer 2

combines with water

Question 3

what is the Haldane effect

Answer 3

a decrease in the affinity of haemoglobin for CO2 when the concentration of oxygen is increased

this helps the lungs release carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen

Question 4

compare and contrast the bohr effect vs the haldane effect

Answer 4

bohr effect = decrease of haemoglobin’s oxygen binding capacity with an increase in carbon dioxide concentration or a decrease in pH

haldane effect = decrease of haemoglobin’s carbon dioxide binding capacity with an increase in oxygen concentration.

Question 5

how do the respiratory and renal systems maintain blood pH

Answer 5

carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid - this disassociates to form H+ ions and Bicarbonate

therefore an increase in CO2 causes an increase in H+ and a decrease in pH

bicarbonate is regulated by the kidneys - regulating reabsorption / excretion in glomerular filtrate (time frame - mins / hours / days)

the lungs regulate PaCO2