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  • Cells require oxygen in the process of respiration: Glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy (in the form of ATP)
  • Carbon dioxide is a waste product and must be removed to maintain the normal pH balance of the blood. By removing excess carbon dioxide, it prevents a build up of carbonic acid, which causes the lowering of the pH, and therefore increasing breathing rate and depth. Carbonic acid forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. At normal levels, (after excess removal of carbon dioxide) the carbon dioxide - bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) equilibrium is an important mechanism for buffering the blood to maintain a constant pH.
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12y ago

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