5.1. Acid/Base Balance Flashcards
1
Q
Why is the pH of the ECF closely regulated?
A
As metabolic reactions are very sensitive to the pH of the fluid in which they occur
2
Q
How can pH effect metabolic reactions?
A
The proteins involved in metabolic reactions can react with the H+ ion, changing their configuration and function
3
Q
What is the normal pH of arterial blood?
A
7.4
4
Q
What is pH?
A
A concentration of free H+ ions
5
Q
How many free H+ ions are in the blood, if the pH is 7.4 (normal)?
A
40x10^-9moles/L
Note: Other plasma constituents are resent in mmoles, so H+ ions are 1 millionth of that - so very small
