Is there any use of CO₂ in human body?

Question

We all know CO₂ as a waste product of metabolism . Does CO₂ have any helpful role , apart from having a role in pH of blood ?

Answer 1

Yes, carbon dioxide (CO2) does have some important and helpful roles in various biological processes. Here are a few examples:

Regulating breathing: CO2 plays a critical role in regulating breathing by stimulating the respiratory center in the brain. When CO2 levels in the blood increase, it signals the brain to increase breathing rate to get rid of excess CO2.

Vasodilation: CO2 can act as a vasodilator, which means it can help to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to tissues. This can be particularly helpful in conditions like asthma, where blood vessels in the lungs can constrict and restrict airflow.

Carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer system: As you mentioned, CO2 also plays a key role in regulating the pH of the blood by forming carbonic acid when it combines with water. This helps to maintain a stable pH in the body.

Answer 2

Absolutely. Our bodies are more sensitive to large amounts of carbon dioxide rather than a shortage of oxygen. CO2 is the main determinant of respiration rate.