Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 7

Discuss the modes of transportation for CO₂ in the blood.

Step 1 of 3

Hemoglobin can bind oxygen as well as carbon dioxide. Tissues release CO₂ as a waste product of their metabolism. This CO₂ should be sent out as it is a waste and is not required by the body. CO₂ is transported in the blood in three forms as mentioned below:

• Dissolved CO₂ – around 10% of CO2 transported this way

• CO₂ bound to haemoglobin (also called carbaminohemoglobin, 20% )

• Bicarbonate – around 70% of CO₂ transported in this form