5.3.3. Acid/Base Balance - Buffers - Intracellular Buffers

Question 1

What does buffering of H+ ions by Intracellular Buffers cause?

Answer 1

A change in plasma electrolytes

Question 2

Why does a changing in plasma electrolytes occur?

Answer 2

To maintain electro-neutrality

Question 3

What must the movement of H+ be accompanied by to maintain electrical neutrality?

Answer 3

A negatively charged anion, e.g Cl-

Question 4

What is another way of maintaining electrical neutrality, other than the H+ ion being accompanied by a Cl- ion?

Answer 4

The removal of a Cation in its plage, e.g. K+ is removed from the cell to maintain the electrical gradient

Question 5

In acidosis, what can the removal of K+ ions from the cells, into the plasma, cause?

Answer 5

Hyperkalaemia

Question 6

What can hyperkalaemia, secondary to acidosis, cause?

Answer 6

The depolarisation of excitable tissues, like cardiac muscle cells, which can eventually lead to Vfib and death.

Question 7

What are the main intracellular buffers?

Answer 7

1. Proteins
2. Organic / Inorganic phosphates
3. Haemoglobin (in erythrocytes)