Question

Why is CO₂ mostly transported in the dissolved form in our blood than O2?

a. Higher solubility of CO₂ in blood plasma
b. Lower affinity of hemoglobin for CO₂
c. Limited solubility of O2 in blood plasma
d. Higher partial pressure of CO₂ in the lungs

Answer 1

CO₂ is primarily transported in dissolved form in our blood due to its higher solubility in the plasma compared to O₂, which is mainly carried by hemoglobin due to its limited solubility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason CO₂ is mostly transported in the dissolved form in our blood rather than O₂ is due to its higher solubility in blood plasma. About 5 to 7 percent of all CO₂ is dissolved in the plasma. Oxygen has a limited solubility in blood plasma and is primarily transported bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Although CO₂ can also bind to hemoglobin forming carbaminohemoglobin, the majority of it is transported as bicarbonate ions, following dissolution and a series of chemical reactions within red blood cells.