Buffer Systems in the Body

What is the pH of a neutral solution?

7

If Ka > Kb, what can be said about the pH of the solution?

The solution is acidic.

What is the pH range of blood plasma?

7.35 - 7.45

What happens to pH when a strong acid is added to a buffer system?

The pH decreases but the buffer resists a large change.

What is a buffer?

A chemical equilibrium system that resists change in pH when acids or bases are added.

What does pKa represent?

The negative logarithm of the acid dissociation constant (Ka).

What is the formula for calculating pH given the concentration of hydroxide ions?

pH = 14 - pOH.

Which buffer system maintains blood pH around 7.4?

The bicarbonate buffer system.

How does the body compensate for increased acid levels (acidosis)?

By expelling excess carbon dioxide and increasing renal excretion of H+.

What causes respiratory acidosis?

Retention of CO2 due to hypoventilation or respiratory dysfunction.

In metabolic acidosis, what does an increase in [H+] indicate?

Blood pH decreases.

What role do proteins play in buffering?

Proteins can react with acids or bases to prevent excess of either.

What is Le Chatelier’s principle?

If a system at equilibrium is disturbed, the equilibrium will shift to counteract the disturbance.

What occurs when a strong base is added to a buffer system?

The base reacts with H3O+ ions, leading to a decrease in [H3O+] and adjusting the pH.

How is phosphate buffer primarily used in the body?

As the main buffer