Do red blood cells carry carbon dioxide?

Answer 1

Yes.

Oxygen, O2, from the lungs enters the Red Blood Cell, which carries it to cells elsewhere in the body. The oxygen then transfers to the cells for their use in respiration. In its place, carbon dioxide, CO2, enters the Red Blood Cell (which is now blue) and remains dissolved in the watery inside of the cell and attached to the heme where the oxygen was once attached. The carbon dioxide is then transferred back to the lungs through the avioli.

You can read more about it here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/16721869/Examvillecom-Anatomy-Human-Blood-Chemistry

Answer 2

Yes. Carbon dioxide produced in respiration diffuses from body tissues into the blood. The carbon dioxide reacts with water in the blood to produce carbonic acid. This then dissociates to produce hydrogen ions and hydrogencarbonate ions. This lowers the blood pH. CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3

H2CO3 --> H+ + HCO3-

Answer 3

It helps to take a look at the Carbonic-Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer reaction:

H+ + HCO3- ⇔ H2CO3 ⇔ H2O + CO2

When there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide, the reaction shifts to the left, increasing H+ ions, meaning the pH decreases (more acidic). When carbon dioxide is taken out of the system, the reverse happens and the blood becomes less acidic.

Answer 4

Is blood less acidic when carbon dioxide leaves the lungs

Answer 5

The presence of carbon dioxide in the blood stream causes the formation of carbonic acid. This means that the blood is more acidic than normal.

Answer 6

is blood more acidic when it is carrying carbon dioxide

Answer 7

Yes, red blood cells bond reversibly with carbon dioxide in order to carry it from the cells back to the lungs in order to be excreted from the body.

Answer 8

yes.