The respiratory center is directly sensitive to the levels of H+. Could one correctly say that CO2 levels control the breathing rate? Explain your answer.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers may vary. Although the respiratory center is directly sensitive to the levels of H+, one could correctly say that CO2 levels indirectly control the breathing rate.
When CO2 enters the blood, it reacts with water and releases hydrogen ions.
H+ + HCO3- ? H2CO3 ? H2O + CO2
Therefore, as CO2 levels rise, the reaction shifts to the left and more H+ are released and the pH of the blood decreases. The respiratory center detects these changes and increases the rate and depth of breathing
H+ + HCO3- ? H2CO3 ? H2O + CO2
If CO2 levels are low due to fast breathing, the reactions would shift to the right, thereby increasing CO2 but decreasing H+ and increasing the pH. The respiratory center detects these changes and decreases the rate of breathing.
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