Why is carbon dioxide important in the bloodstream in red blood cells?

Question

I know why oxygen is essential in a red blood cell but why would carbon dioxide be?

Answer 1

The importance of CO2 in the RBC relates to the Haldane effect and its influence on when hemoglobin holds its oxygen and when it releases it:

(From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haldane_effect)

"the Haldane effect promotes dissociation of carbon dioxide from hemoglobin in the presence of oxygen. In the oxygen-rich capillaries of the lung, this property causes the displacement of carbon dioxide to plasma as venous blood enters the alveolus and is vital for alveolar gas exchange.

"Deoxygenation of the blood increases its ability to carry carbon dioxide; this property is the Haldane effect. Conversely, oxygenated blood has a reduced capacity for carbon dioxide."

Answer 2

well, as stated already, high CO2 levels decrease the affinity of the hemoglobin for O2, causing it to unload in the peripheral tissues where needed.
It is also responsible for maintaining the pH level of the blood. CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and a proton. these are each a base and acid respectively, and can react with any substance that enters the bloodstream that is also a base or acid, maintaining the normal pH range. We can alter this by breathing off CO2 in the lungs or secreting bicarbonate in the kidneys.

Answer 3

CO2 is used by the body to regulate your breathing rate.
Since Carbon Dioxide is poisounous(but not deadly unless there is an excess), your body gets rid of it by exhaling. The more Carbon Dioxide in your blood stream the faster you exhale(like how you exhale rapidly after a exercising).

Answer 4

As an addendum, carbon monoxide, (auto exhaust) kills because it knocks out the carbon dioxide

Answer 5

Capillaries.