Inorganic carbon transport in biological systems

1. The flux of inorganic carbon (Ci) is an important biological process. 2. CO2 crosses membranes through passive diffusion and, perhaps active transport while HCO3- crosses membranes via facilitated diffusion and active transport mechanisms. 3. Carbonic anhydrase is ubiquitous and enhances the flux of Ci. 4. Generally, Ci crosses membranes through passive and facilitated diffusion when the flux of Ci, per se, is important and crosses membranes via active transport when cells are regulating their intracellular pH and/or ion levels.