Buffer

Question 1

What is a buffer?

Answer 1

A buffer is an aqueous solution consisting of a weak acid and it’s salt or a weak base and it’s salt. It resits changes in pH when an acid or base is added.

Question 2

Alkalosis

Answer 2

This is a condition where the pH of the blood is too high i.e the blood is too basic.

Question 3

pH of Saliva

Answer 3

6.5 - 7.5

Question 4

pH of cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 4

7.30 - 7.50

Question 5

Buffer range

Answer 5

This is the pH range at which maximum resistance to pH change occurs when adding acid or base. It’s between the range of ±1 pH from the weak acid pKa

Question 6

Buffer capacity

Answer 6

Buffer capacity is the number of grams of acid or alkali which is necessary for a change in pH of 1 unit of 1 liter of the buffer solution.

Question 7

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid system accounts for how many % of buffering capacity in plasma and the whole body?

Answer 7

65%

40%

Question 8

pH lower than 7.38 (of the physiological 7.4) leads to what?

Answer 8

Acidosis.

Lower than 7.0 leads to death

Question 9

Acidosis can lead to?

Answer 9

CNS (central nervous system) depression.

Coma.

Death.

Question 10

Alkalosis can lead to?

Answer 10

Induces neuromuscular hyperexcitability and tetany

Death

Question 11

What condition occurs at a pH higher than 7.42?

Answer 11

Alkalosis

Higher than 7.6 leads to death.

Question 12

What enzyme catalyzes the bicarbonate buffer system?

Answer 12

Carbonic anhydrase in the blood and duodenum.