Lecture 22-24: Acid:Base Part One Flashcards
What is a strong vs weak acid:
- A strong acid is an acid that completely dissociates in solution i.e the [H+] equals the intial acid concentration. i.e fully ionised HCL-> H+ and Cl-
- A weak acid is an acid that only partially dissociates in solution i.e H2CO3-> H+ and HCO3 (only a small amount of carbonic acid exists as H+ in solution
Describe pH in normal homeostasis
7.35-7.45 for cellular and enzyme function (tightly controlled)
This corresponds to a [H+] ranging from 35-45nMol/L
Where is the acid sources in the body?
Oxidative metabolism: Volatile acid i.e CO2 production
Protein catabolism: Non-volatile / fixed acids that MUST be excreted. Massively increased amounts i.e Lactic acid production (exercise), keto-acidosis = aceto-acetic acid and b-hydroxybutyric acid.
What are the bodies buffering systems?
- Bicarb, instant but limited long term (ECF mainly and most important)
- IC proteins, phosphates
What is acidaemia and alkalaemia?
Acidaemia = pH\<7.35 Alkalaemia = pH\>7.45
Write some notes on acidosis:
pH < 7.35
- pH < 7.2 = severe acidosis
- pH < 6.9 = Usually incompatible with life
Write some notes on alkalosis
pH < 7.45
- pH < 7.6 = severe alkalosis
- pH < 7.9 = Usually incompatible with life
What are the components of acid base balance?.
- Diet
- Blood
- Liver
- Lungs
- Kidneys
i.e Many facets
What are the three mechanisms in which the body prevents dangerous changes in pH?
- Buffers
- Respiratory control of ventilation
- Excretion of acids (or bases) by the kidneys
** Every change of 0.3pH represents a change in [H+] by a factor of 2
What is a buffer?
Buffers are a solution consisting of a weak acid and its conjugate base
- A buffer is a chemical in solution that resits changes in pH i.e mopping up H+
How does a buffer work?
- H+ is added, increasing H+ and lowering pH
- Equilibrium is right shifted
- H+ are consumed by the buffer conjugate base/anion, forming the buffer conjugate weak acid
- [H+] reduces, restoring pH to(wards) normal
What are the four buffers of blood?
Bicarbonate
Haemoglobin
Phosphate (also celllular)
Proteins (also cellular)
Describe how bicarbonate acts as a buffer:
H+ (+) HCO3- H2CO3 H2O (+) CO2
- Carbonic acid only exists in very small amounts
Describe how Hb acts as a buffer:
Hb
- Dissolved CO2 enters RBC, some binds Hb
- Rest becomes HCO3 and H, the H produced is buffered by the Hb whilst HCO3 diffuses into the plasma in exchange for chloride
Describe how phosphate acts as a buffer
H + HPO4 H2PO4
Both phosphate and proteins contribute relatively little to buffering by blood and ECF due to their relatively low concentrations in plasma