Basics of acid base balance Flashcards
Why is it important to regulate blood pH?
Many chemical reactions are pH sensitive
Excess protons will bind to proteins and change their charge
What will excess protons do to proteins?
Bind to them and change their charge
Body reactions produce enough acid to make a pH of what?
1
What two components make a good buffer?
Weak acid and weak conjugate base
What are the two types of buffer in our bodies?
Intracellular
Extracellular
What are examples of intracellular buffers?
Proteins
Phosphates
Haemoglobin
What is the main buffer of RBCs?
Haemoglobin
What are examples of extracellular buffers?
Bicarbonate ions
Phosphate ions
Proteins
What are the two types of acids you can find in the body?
Volatile
Non-volatile
What are volatile acids?
Acids you can get rid off
What is the main buffer in the blood?
Bicarbonate ions
How is bicarbonate made?
When the unstable intermediate carbonic acid, that is made from the reaction between carbon dioxide and water, breaks down
What are non-volatile acids?
Acids you can’t get rid of (buffer)
What is an example of a non-volatile acid?
Sulphate derived from the metabolism of sulphur-containing amino acids
How are non-volatile acids removed from the body?
Via the kidneys