Question

Write the equation of the carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system( you can just use their names since typing chemical formulas can be difficult) describe the connection between carbon dioxide levels and hydrogen ion levels and how the respiratory and urinary system can Compensate when there are various acid/base disorders

Answer 1

• Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system contains the carbonic acid, a weak acid, bicarbonate anion and its conjugate base. The carbonic acid in this system is formed when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. This system helps in maintaining the pH in blood and duodenum, to support metabolism.

The equation of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is:

CO2 + H2​​​​​​O ⟷ H2​​​​​​CO3 ⟷ HCO3- + H+

Above chemical formula in form of names:

Carbon dioxide + Water ⟷ Carbonic acid ⟷ Bicarbonate ion + Hydrogen ion

• The connection between the carbon dioxide levels and hydrogen levels is that, carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid in the blood and the hydrogen ions resulting from the dissociation of this carbonic acid are buffered by haemoglobin and plasma proteins of the blood. So, carbon dioxide concentration in the blood should undergo large changes to produce changes in the pH of blood to facilitate hydrogen ions. This is the connection between carbon dioxide and hydrogen levels.
• The two systems which compensates for acid-base disturbances or disorders are the respiratory system and urinary system. The respiratory tract of respiratory system adjusts blood pH by exhaling carbon dioxide from the body in minutes. The urinary system controls acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and generating bicarbonate ions, which helps in maintaining normal blood pH levels. This is how respiratory system and urinary system compensate for various acid/base disorders or disturbances.

Thank you!