What percentage of `CO_(2)` flows in blood in form of bicarbonates

Options

A. `7%`
B. `23%`
C. `50%`
D. `70%`

Answer

To determine the percentage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that flows in the blood in the form of bicarbonates, we can break down the transport forms of CO₂ in the blood as follows:

1. **Understanding CO₂ Transport**: Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in three primary forms:
- Dissolved in plasma
- Bound to hemoglobin
- As bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻)

2. **Percentage Breakdown**:
- **Dissolved in Plasma**: About 10% of CO₂ is transported dissolved in the plasma.
- **Bound to Hemoglobin**: Approximately 20% of CO₂ is carried bound to hemoglobin.
- **As Bicarbonate**: The remaining percentage, which is the majority, is transported as bicarbonate ions.

3. **Calculating the Percentage of Bicarbonate**:
- To find the percentage of CO₂ that is in the form of bicarbonates, we can add the percentages of the other two forms:
- Dissolved in plasma: 10%
- Bound to hemoglobin: 20%
- Total from these two forms: 10% + 20% = 30%
- Therefore, the percentage of CO₂ transported as bicarbonate is:
- 100% - 30% = 70%

4. **Conclusion**:
- The percentage of carbon dioxide that flows in the blood in the form of bicarbonates is **70%**.

**Final Answer**: 70%

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