What percentage of carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate ion in the body?

The correct percentage of carbon dioxide that is transported as bicarbonate ion in the body is indeed 70%. In the process of carbon dioxide transport, most of it reacts with water in red blood cells to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. This reaction is facilitated by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

The conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate is crucial because it allows the blood to carry a significantly higher amount of carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation compared to the dissolved form. As a result, around 70% of carbon dioxide is effectively transported as bicarbonate, maintaining the acid-base balance in the blood.

Understanding this process is important for recognizing how the body efficiently manages carbon dioxide levels and the role of the bicarbonate buffer system in maintaining pH homeostasis.