Sensing, physiological effects and molecular response to elevated CO 2 levels in eukaryotes

CO 2 transport into cells CO 2 sensing in cells and organisms Physiological effects of elevated CO 2 Molecular response to elevated CO 2 levels Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is an important gaseous molecule that maintains biosphere homeostasis and is an important cellular signalling molecule in all organisms. The transport of CO 2 through membranes has fundamental roles in most basic aspects of life in both plants and animals. There is a growing interest in understanding how CO 2 is transported into cells, how it is sensed by neurons and other cell types and in understanding the physiological and molecular consequences of elevated CO 2 levels (hypercapnia) at the cell and organism levels. Human pulmonary diseases and model organisms such as fungi, C. elegans , Drosophila and mice have been proven to be important in understanding of the mechanisms of CO 2 sensing and response.