Question

Why is concentration of Co2 important for breathing?

Answer 1

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) is important for breathing because an increase in CO2 concentration in the blood, increases the breathing and also brings remarkable changes in pH of blood. These changes can be detected by medulla oblongata in hindbrain, which acts as a regulatory center for respiration and breathing. When concentration of CO2 in blood is increased, breathing becomes faster. This increase in the concentration of CO2 will be due to decrease in affinity of haemoglobin (Hb) for oxygen. So, concentration of CO2 is important for breathing, as it plays various role in human body by regulating the pH of blood, stimulating breathing and influencing the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.

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