Transport of carbon dioxide in blood

CO₂ reacts with water to produce carbonic acid H₂CO₃. In the red blood cells, the reaction is catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions. Hydrogen ions combine with hemoglobin to form haemoglobinic acid while HCO₃^– diffuses into the blood. The electroneutrality in the red blood cells is maintained by an inward movement of chloride ions from the plasma so-called chloride shift. In the lungs, hydrogen ions combine with hydrogen carbonate ions to give CO₂ which is lost to the atmosphere. Please find free downloadable notes, exams and marking guides of agriculture, biology, Physics, chemistry etc.  from digitalteachers.co.ug website. Dr. Bbosa Science