In humans, blood pH is maintained fairly precisely around 7.4, and this is largely accomplished with the help of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3), both of which are floating around in the blood. If blood suddenly becomes acidic for some reason, bicarbonate turns into H2CO3. If blood suddenly becomes too basic, some H2CO3 turns into HCO3-. What’s going on here? Using your knowledge of acids, bases, and buffers, explain how pH is maintained at a constant level in this system.
In humans, blood pH is maintained fairly precisely around 7.4, and this is largely accomplished with the help of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3), both of which are floating around in the blood. If blood suddenly becomes acidic for some reason, bicarbonate turns into H2CO3. If blood suddenly becomes too basic, some H2CO3 turns into HCO3-. What’s going on here? Using your knowledge of acids, bases, and buffers, explain how pH is maintained at a constant level in this system.
Anatomy & Physiology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168130
Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Publisher:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Chapter2: The Chemical Level Of Organization
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In humans, blood pH is maintained fairly precisely around 7.4, and this is largely accomplished with the help of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3), both of which are floating around in the blood. If blood suddenly becomes acidic for some reason, bicarbonate turns into H2CO3. If blood suddenly becomes too basic, some H2CO3 turns into HCO3-. What’s going on here? Using your knowledge of acids, bases, and buffers, explain how pH is maintained at a constant level in this system.
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