Human blood contains a buffering system. What are the key molecules in this buffer, and why...

Human blood contains a buffering system. What are the key molecules in this buffer, and why is it necessary?

Expert Solution

Carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃) is the conjugate acid to the primary base, bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) in the blood. Bicarbonate (HCO₃^-), which is usually aggregated in the blood as sodium bicarbonate.

Inorder to keep the acid/base balance in the blood, the reaction responsible for acid/base balance in the blood is mediated in both directions by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

This reaction is represented as:

H₂O + CO₂ H₂CO₃ HCO₃^- + H⁺ (bicarbarbonate is more stable in blood than carbonic acid, so this is the prevalent form). This buffer system is important for maintaining the blood pH around 7.4. pH at 7.4 is necessary for the regulation of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.

The lower the pH (acidosis), there is a weaker association between hemoglobin (specifically the iron in the porphyrin ring of the heme) and oxygen. Thereby blood distributes oxygen uniformly throughout the entire body.

queen_honey_blossom answered 2 years ago

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