Question

Increased CO2 in the system:

A. causes a drop in pH

B. results from hypoventilation

C. results from increased cellular metabolism

D. all off the above

Answer 1

D) All of the above

An increase in the Carbon Dioxide concentration in blood increases the Carbonic acid concentration which makes the blood more acidic and decreases the pH. Hypoventilation, or the reduced rate of exchange of gas between the lungs and the environment will also promote an increase in blood Carbon Dioxide concentration. This concentration can also increase after increased metabolism where energy stored in Carbon-Carbon bonds is released and Carbon Dioxide is produced as a waste.