15. Scientific Discussion: please read the text below and then use it to answer

Question

15. Scientific Discussion: please read the text below and then use it to answer the questions that follow. The normal pH of the blood is 7.35-7.45. It does not take a very large change in this pH to affect survival. However, there are many things that can affect the pH and drive its value outside of these limits. For example, what is ingested, how the lungs work, and how the kidneys work can all have significant effects on blood pH. Because so many things can alter pH there are a number of buffers in the body that help to maintain a relatively constant pH. We introduced one major bufering system (the bicarbonate system) but proteins and phosphates also play a role. a. Based on the brief description above, on the pH scale the normal blood pH would be: b. What are some buffering systems in the body? Give their name and molecular formula e. Describe how the buffer system works in the blood when the blood is too basic. Make sure you identify the specific molecule that lowers the pH.

Explanation / Answer

15.
a.Ans-
The pH scale of normal blood is 7.35-7.45.
b.Ans-
There are three major buffer systems in our body, that include:
1.Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer – The formula is H2CO3/NaHCO3
2. Phosphate buffer system- The formula is HPO4/ H2PO4. It plays an important role in plasma and erythrocytes.
3.Protein buffer system: Protein buffer system consists of amino acids in which amino acids have a central carbon with a carboxyl group(COOH), an amino group (NH2), a hydrogen atom and R group. The formula is NH3 CH(COO-)R

c. Ans-
A buffer is a mixture of a conjugate acid-base pair that balance the pH when small volumes of strong acids or bases are added. Carbonate acid-bicarbonate buffer plays an important role in maintaining the blood pH. When the blood is too basic, then carbonic acid reacts with the hydroxide ions to produce bicarbonate ions and water. Bicarbonate ions which are already a component of the buffer system and remove the hydroxide ions from blood to prevent the pH of blood from becoming basic.
H2CO3 + OH- ? HCO3- + H2O

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