Back
Home
2.5 outline the need for oxygen in living cells and explain why removal of carbon dioxide from cells is essential
outline the need for oxygen in living cells and explain why removal of carbon dioxide from cells is essential
- Cells require oxygen in the process of respiration: Glucose + oxygen
carbon dioxide + water + energy (in the form of ATP)
- Carbon dioxide is a waste product and must be removed to maintain the normal pH balance of the blood. By removing excess carbon dioxide, it prevents a build up of carbonic acid, which causes the lowering of the pH, and therefore increasing breathing rate and depth. Carbonic acid forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. At normal levels, (after excess removal of carbon dioxide) the carbon dioxide – bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) equilibrium is an important mechanism for buffering the blood to maintain a constant pH.