5.2. Acid/Base Balance - Sources of Alkali and H+ ions

Question 1

What is the major source of alkali?

Answer 1

Oxidation of organic anions, such as Citrate

Question 2

How does the body produce H+ ions?

Answer 2

1. From Respiratory Acid

2. From Metabolic Acid

Question 3

What is the equation associated with Respiratory Acid?

Answer 3

CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 = H+ + HCO3–

Note = is meant to be the equilibrium sign, but it does not appear on this website

Question 4

What is H2CO3 also known as?

Answer 4

Carbonic Acid

Question 5

What is HCO3- also known as?

Answer 5

Bicarbonate

Question 6

Is the formation of Carbonic Acid (H2CO3) normally a net contributor to the increase in H+ ion production?

Answer 6

No, as it usually leads to an increase in ventillation

Question 7

When can problems with respiratory acid occur?

Answer 7

If lung function is impaired

Question 8

How is metabolic acid produced?

Answer 8

Via metabolism

Question 9

Is metabolic acid usually a larger or smaller problem then respiratory acid?

Answer 9

Larger

Question 10

What are the two types of acid which can occur due to metabolism?

Answer 10

1. Inorganic Acids

2. Organic Acids

Question 11

What are inorganic acids?

Answer 11

Acids which contain sulphur

Question 12

What are organic acids?

Answer 12

Fatty acids / lactic acid

Question 13

What forms inorganic acids?

Answer 13

Sulphur containing amino acids, leading to an increase in H2SO4 and phosphoric acid

Question 14

What are inorganic acids produced from?

Answer 14

Phospholipids

Question 15

What is the net gain of organic acids per day (on a normal diet)?

Answer 15

50-100mmoles H+ ions per day