NEET
- Exam
- NEET
- Subject
- Zoology
- Chapter
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
NEET · Zoology · Breathing and Exchange of Gases
What is the primary factor that affects the formation of CO₂ and...
What is the primary factor that affects the formation of CO₂ and H₂O at the alveolar site?
Options
- Apartial pressure of O₂
- Bpartial pressure of CO₂
- CH⁺ concentration
- Dtemperature
Correct answer
B. partial pressure of CO₂
Step-by-step solution
At the tissue site where partial pressure of CO₂ is high due to catabolism, CO₂ diffuses into blood (RBCs and plasma) and forms HCO3 and H⁺,. At the alveolar site where pCO2 is low, the reaction proceeds in the opposite direction leading to the formation of CO₂ and H₂O. Thus, CO₂ trapped as bicarbonate at the tissue level and transported to the alveoli is released out as CO₂ (Every 100 ml of deoxygenated blood delivers approximately 4 ml of CO₂ to the alveoli.