Biochemistry: acid-base balance

Question 1

what is being regulated in acid-base balance

Answer 1

H+ conc. and therefore pH

Question 2

what is a temporary solution of regulating pH

Answer 2

buffering H+ conc. (“sponge”)

Question 3

why is bicarbonate(HCO3) so important as a buffer

Answer 3

because unlike other buffer systems that reach an equilibrium it doesn’t, as carbonic acid is removed as CO2
therefore only limit is initial bicarbonate conc.

Question 4

what is the respiratory component of acid-base balance

Answer 4

pCO2

Question 5

what is the metabolic component of acid-base balance

Answer 5

HCO3

Question 6

what is acidaemia and acidosis defined as

Answer 6

acidaemia = increased [H+]
acidosis = increased [H+], or process tending to increased [H+]

Question 7

what is alkalaeimia and alkalosis defined is

Answer 7

alkalaemia = decreased [H+]
alkalosis = decreased [H+], or process tending to decreased [H+]

Question 8

what is respiratory acidosis

Answer 8

increased [H+] due to increased pCO2

Question 9

what is respiratory alkalosis

Answer 9

decreased [H+] due to decreased pCO2

Question 10

what is metabolic acidosis

Answer 10

increased [H+] due to decreased HCO3

Question 11

what is metabolic alkalosis

Answer 11

decreased [H+] due to increased HCO3