Final answer:
The CO₂/HCO₃ buffer system is important for maintaining the pH balance in our blood. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing CO₂ or HCO₃. HCO₃ can leave the body as carbon dioxide gas, while CO₂ provides a direct measure of the acid-base balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CO₂/HCO₃ buffer system is important for maintaining the pH balance in our blood. While CO₂ and HCO₃ are related, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing one over the other. One advantage of HCO₃ is that it can leave the body as carbon dioxide gas instead of being converted back to bicarbonate ion, helping to maintain the buffer capacity. On the other hand, CO₂ is easier to measure and provides a direct measure of the body's acid-base balance.