In red blood cells, carbonic anhydrase catalyses the formation of carbonic acid which then disassociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. What hap- pens next? A. bicarbonate ions bind to haemoglobin B. hydrogen ions move into the plasma to be buffered by bicarbonate ions C. hydrogen ions are buffered by haemoglobin D. chloride ions enter the rbc to form hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Option C.Haemoglobin is a protein so can act as a buffer, consequently disposing of the hydrogen ions from solution. The bicarbonate ions flow out of the rbc into the plasma in exchange for chloride ions.
