Chapter 2.4, Problem 3R

Summary Introduction

To review:

The result of following reaction in the bloodstream:

${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\to {\text{HCO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{-}+{\text{H}}^{+}$

Introduction:

The buffer system in the body, like blood, helps to maintain the optimum pH at which most of the enzymes work. Even a little change in blood pH disrupts its ability to carry oxygen to the tissues, which is vital in cellular respiration. The carbon dioxide (CO₂) released by tissues increase the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration leading to the decrease in pH of the blood.