Question

CO2 is carried by blood in the form of what?

Answer 1

CO2 is carried by blood in three different forms.

Explanation:

1. 23% CO2 is carried by RBCs as carbaminohaemoglobin.
2. 7% CO2 is carried as dissolved gas in plasma.
3. 70% CO2 is carried by plasma in the form of bicarbonate ions due to phenomenon known as Chloride shift.

It is important to note that CO2 could be taken up by blood for transportation only when O2 is unloaded.