Bicarbonate ion is produced inside

Options

A. Lymphocytes
B. Neutrophil
C. Basophil
D. RBCs

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks where bicarbonate ions are produced in the body. The options provided are lymphocyte, neutrophil, basophil, and RBC (red blood cells).

2. **Identifying the Context**: Bicarbonate ions play a crucial role in the transportation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream. When CO2 is produced in the tissues, it needs to be transported to the lungs for exhalation.

3. **Chemical Reaction**: The process begins when CO2 enters the red blood cells (RBCs) and reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \]

4. **Dissociation of Carbonic Acid**: The carbonic acid (H2CO3) then dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-):
\[ \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{HCO}_3^- \]

5. **Role of Red Blood Cells**: This entire process of converting CO2 into bicarbonate ions occurs primarily in the red blood cells (RBCs). Therefore, RBCs are responsible for the production of bicarbonate ions.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the above steps, the correct answer to the question is that bicarbonate ions are produced inside RBCs (red blood cells).

**Final Answer**: Bicarbonate ion is produced inside RBC (red blood cells).

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