In the human body, respiratory gases are transported by blood to and from the tissues. Which of the following options correctly represents the percentage of O₂ and CO₂ respectively, that are carried in a dissolved state through the blood plasma?

Step-by-step solution

Blood is the medium of transport for O₂ and CO₂ . About 97 % of O₂ is transported by RBCs in the blood. The remaining 3 % of O₂ is carried in a dissolved state through the plasma. Nearly 20-25 % of CO₂ is transported by RBCs whereas 70 % of it is carried as bicarbonate. About 7 % of CO₂ is carried in a dissolved state through plasma. Therefore, the percentage of O₂ and CO₂ carried in a dissolved state through the blood plasma is 3 % and 7 % respectively. Answer: 3 % and 7 %