Which of the following processes causes most of the carbon dioxide from the blood to move into the alveoli?
A. Passive transport using carrier proteins
B. Conversion to carbon monoxide
C. Active transport using energy
D. Diffusion down a concentration gradient
Most of the carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the alveoli through the process of diffusion down a concentration gradient. In the lungs, there is a higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood compared to the alveoli. Its molecules, therefore, move from an area of higher concentration (blood) to an area of lower concentration (alveoli) until equilibrium is reached. This is a passive process and does not require energy or carrier proteins.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.