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Advanced Biochemistry > Acid Base Balance 6/11 > Flashcards

Acid Base Balance 6/11 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the general role of buffer systems in regulating pH?

A

Buffer systems minimize pH change by neutralizing any added strong acid or base

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2
Q

What is the Henderson-Hasselbach equation and what does it describe?

A

Describes the pH of a solution containing and conjugate acid-base pair
pH = pka + log [base]/[acid]

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3
Q

What is normal physiological pH?

A

7.4

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4
Q

What is the normal narrow range of physiological pH?

A

7.35 - 7.45

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5
Q

What pH ranges and incompatible with life?

A

Below 6.8 or above 7.8

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6
Q

Why is pH important (3 reasons)?

A
  1. Maintains protein structure and function (enzyme activity and binding protein function)
  2. Maintains membrane gradients (neurons - action potential)
  3. H+ (hydrogen ions) gradients generate ATP in mitochondria
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7
Q

Define acidosis.

A

pH < 7.35

increased H+ concentration

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8
Q

Define alkalosis.

A

pH > 7.45

decreased H+ concentration

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9
Q

Why does pH change in our body?

A

Because acids and bases are continuously added from endogenous and exogenous sources (e.g acidic food)

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10
Q

What are sources of acids in the body?

A

Cell metabolism

  • anaerobic respiration of glucose produces lactic acid
  • complete (aerobic) metabolism of CHO and fat produces CO2 which forms a weak acid (carbonic acid) and has the potential to effect H+ and pH
  • fat metabolism yields organic acids and ketone bodies
  • oxidation of proteins, nucelic acids and phospholipids produces inorganic acids sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid
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11
Q

What are fixed acids?

A

Produced in the body from sources other than CO2 e.g H2SO4, H3PO4, and organic acids such as pyruvic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid

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12
Q

What is a volatile acid?

A

Excreted as a gas by the lungs - carbonic acid (H2CO3)

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13
Q

What are the 3 ways that acid base balance is maintained?

A
  1. Chemical Buffer Systems
  2. Protein Buffer Systems
  3. Renal mechanism
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14
Q

What are the 3 types of chemical buffer systems?

A
  1. Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system
  2. Protein buffer systems
  3. Phosphate buffer systems
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15
Q

The chemical buffer system is the _ system to respond and takes _?

A

First system to respond

Takes seconds

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16
Q

Why is the carbonic acid-bicarbonate system important (3)?

A
  1. Allows H2CO3- to dissociate into H2O and CO2 - allowing CO2 to be eliminated by the lungs and H+ as water (to increase pH by decreasing H+ levels = less acidic)
  2. Changes in CO2 modify ventilation rate
  3. HCO3- concentration can be altered by the kidneys
17
Q

Is the carbonic acid-bicarbonate system important in the ICF or ECF?

A

ECF

18
Q

What are the 3 types of protein buffer systems?

A
  1. Haemoglobin buffer system (ICF)
  2. Amino acid buffers (all proteins)
  3. Plasma protein buffers
19
Q

Describe the hemoglobin buffer system.

A

Major buffer system of the blood - erythrocytes/RBC contain 53mmol/L of Hb giving significant buffering capacity

Hb in RBC buffers the H+ produced from H2CO3- (carbonic acid) dissociation

20
Q

Describe how the hemoglobin buffer system works.

A

CO2 enters the cell and combines with water to produce H2CO3- which dissociates into HCO3- and H+

Hb binds to H+ to remove it from the blood

HCO3- is released back into the plasma in exchange for Cl- to maintain neutrality

21
Q

How do amino acids act as acids or bases in the plasma protein buffer system?

A

In an alkaline medium (increased pH) - aa acts as a an acid and releases H+

In an acidic medium (decreased pH) - aa acts as a base and absorbs H+

22
Q

The respiratory system is the _ system to respond and takes _?

A

Second system to respond

Takes minutes

23
Q

How does the respiratory mechanism work?

A

Removes CO2 and therefore H2CO3

Body pH can be adjusted by rate and depth of breathing

24
Q

The renal mechanism is the _ system to respond and takes _?

A

Third/last to respond

Takes hours/days

25
Q

What 2 roles do the kidneys play in acid base balance>

A

Maintain HCO3- concentration

Elimination of H+

Advanced Biochemistry (18 decks)

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