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Chapter 9: Problem 23

The chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide to a bicarbonate ion takes place in a. the blood plasma. b. red blood cells. c. the alveolus. d. the hemoglobin molecule.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide to a bicarbonate ion takes place in red blood cells (option b), with the help of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme. This enzyme speeds up the reaction between carbon dioxide and water, forming carbonic acid, which further dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported as bicarbonate ions in the plasma.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the correct option

From our understanding of the process of carbon dioxide transportation in the blood, we can determine which among the given options is the correct location for the mentioned chemical reaction. a. the blood plasma b. red blood cells c. the alveolus d. the hemoglobin molecule
02

Explanation of the correct answer

The chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide to a bicarbonate ion takes place in red blood cells. The process involves carbonic anhydrase enzyme present in red blood cells, which speeds up the reaction between carbon dioxide and water to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid then dissociates to form bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported as bicarbonate ions in the plasma. Therefore, the correct answer is: b. red blood cells

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