SAQ - Buffer Systems in Human Body

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the buffering power of the blood is accounted for by protein buffers?

Three-quarters

One-third

Two-thirds (correct)

One-half

What is the primary function of the respiratory system in regulating blood pH?

Exhaling carbon dioxide (correct)

Producing phosphate buffers

Conserving bicarbonate

Excreting hydrogen ions

Which of the following processes takes longer to regulate blood pH?

Protein buffering

Ventilation

Phosphate buffering

Acid excretion and base generation (correct)

What is the role of hemoglobin in protein buffering?

Buffering hydrogen ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range maintained by the buffer systems in the human body?

7.35-7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of phosphate buffers?

A weak acid and a weak base Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?

To maintain a stable pH balance Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is an increase in hydrogen ion concentration in the body?

The bicarbonate buffer system forms more carbonic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the bicarbonate buffer system in maintaining electrolyte balance?

It maintains the balance of hydrogen and bicarbonate ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the bicarbonate buffer system's reaction when the pH is too high?

It releases more hydrogen ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the bicarbonate buffer system and the respiratory system?

The bicarbonate buffer system and respiratory system work together to regulate pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the kidneys in the bicarbonate buffer system?

To regulate the amount of bicarbonate ions in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the kidneys in response to metabolic acidosis?

Increasing the excretion of acidic metabolites and retaining bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of respiratory acidosis on the bicarbonate buffer system?

A decrease in bicarbonate concentration and the release of hydrogen ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor contributing to the high buffering capacity of the bicarbonate buffer system?

The large reservoir of bicarbonate in the body and the reversible nature of the reactions involved Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the bicarbonate buffer system in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body?

Maintaining the electrical neutrality of body fluids by neutralizing acids generated during metabolic processes Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions is the bicarbonate buffer system most effective?

When the concentration of bicarbonate is close to its dissociation constant Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall significance of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?

It is a vital component of the body's acid-base regulation, playing a crucial role in maintaining pH balance, kidney function, and electrolyte balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of phosphate buffers in biological research?

To regulate pH and resist changes in pH Signup and view all the answers

What determines the osmotic potential of PBS in biological experiments?

The concentration of salts such as NaCl and KH2PO4 Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for PBS to have an osmotic potential similar to that of human cells?

To maintain cellular functions and viability Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of phosphate buffers having a high buffer capacity?

They can effectively resist changes in pH when a strong acid or base is added Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phosphate buffers in biochemical reactions?

To facilitate the reaction by maintaining a stable pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical pH of PBS, which is close to the normal pH of human cells?

7.4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of phosphate buffers in biochemical reactions?

To maintain an optimal pH environment for enzyme activity Signup and view all the answers

What determines the ionic strength of PBS?

The concentration of salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium phosphate (KH2PO4) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ability of a solution to resist changes in pH upon the addition of a strong acid or a strong base?

Buffer capacity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to maintain an appropriate ionic strength in PBS?

To ensure the solubility and stability of proteins and other biomolecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of maintaining a stable pH in biological systems?

To maintain the cellular functions and viability of many organisms, including humans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the carbonic buffer system helps to regulate pH levels in the body?

By reacting with hydrogen ions to form bicarbonate and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation that describes the relationship between the concentration of bicarbonate and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood?

pH = HCO3- / PCO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an increase in hydrogen ions in tissues with high metabolic activity on the carbonic buffer system?

It increases the formation of carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What determines the buffering capacity of the carbonic buffer system?

The concentration of bicarbonate and the pH Signup and view all the answers

How does the respiratory system help to regulate pH levels in the body?

By increasing the exhalation of carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH range maintained by the acid-base balance in the body?

Between 7.35 and 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

At what pH is the power of a buffer greatest?

When the pH is around its pKa Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood?

The body increases the respiratory rate to expel more carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of peripheral and central chemoreceptors in the regulation of acid-base balance?

They detect changes in carbon dioxide levels and signal the brain stem to alter the respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the body's compensatory systems working together to restore acid-base balance?

The pH levels of the blood remain stable Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the urinary system in regulating acid-base balance?

It changes the reabsorption or production of bicarbonate or hydrogen ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the carbonic buffer system in the body?

To maintain the pH levels of the blood by regulating the concentration of bicarbonate and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buffer systems are essential for maintaining the delicate balance of acids and bases in the human body, which is critical for proper physiological functioning. These systems work in conjunction with the respiratory and renal systems to regulate pH levels and prevent drastic changes in acidity.

Protein Buffering

Protein buffers are predominantly found within cells and account for two-thirds of the buffering power of the blood. Proteins, which are made up of amino acids, contain positively charged amino groups and negatively charged carboxyl groups, which can bind hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. Hemoglobin, the principal protein inside red blood cells, buffers hydrogen ions released during the conversion of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate.

Respiratory System Regulation

The respiratory system plays a critical role in regulating blood pH by exhaling carbon dioxide (CO2), a strong acid, from the body. This process, known as ventilation, helps to maintain the pH of the blood within the normal range of 7.35–7.45.

Renal System Regulation

The renal system, specifically the kidneys, also helps regulate blood pH by excreting hydrogen ions (H+) and conserving bicarbonate. This process, known as acid excretion and base generation, takes longer than the immediate pH adjustments made by the respiratory system.

Phosphate Buffering

Phosphate buffers are composed of a weak acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4), and a weak base, sodium monohydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4 2-). They function by capturing free ions, preventing a significant change in pH.

Bicarbonate Buffering

Bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffers work in a similar fashion to phosphate buffers, with bicarbonate ions and carbonic acid present in the blood in a 20:1 ratio if the blood pH is within the normal range. They help to neutralize excess hydrogen ions, preventing the blood from becoming more acidic.

In conclusion, buffer systems play a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance of the human body. Protein buffers, the respiratory system, the renal system, phosphate buffers, and bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffers work together to neutralize excess acids and bases, ensuring that the body's delicate physiological processes can continue uninterrupted.

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Description

This quiz covers the different types of buffer systems in the human body, including protein, respiratory, renal, phosphate, and bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffers, and how they work together to maintain the body's delicate pH balance.