The role of ventilation in acid/base balance Flashcards
What does the function of proteins depend on and how is this achieved?
→ Depends on a specific secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure
→ Achieved by intra and inter chain bonding
What can denature proteins?
→ Temperature, pH, pressure can denature proteins
How is arterial pH tightly regulated?
→ Presence of buffering systems and regulating the level of molecules associated with acid/base production
What is a buffer?
→ Weak acid + conjugate base
How do buffers work when H+ is added?
→ When there are excess H+ ions present they are mopped up by reacting with the conjugate base to form the weak acid
→ H+ + HCO3- ⇌ H2CO3
→ The end product is much less acidic
How do buffers work when H+ is removed?
→ If H+ ions are removed the weak acid will dissociate to increase the H+ ion concentration
Why does the pH remain relatively stable with a buffer?
→ Any H+ formed by the addition of strong acid will react with the conjugate base to form a weaker acid
What are buffers used for?
→ Resisting sharp changes in pH
What are 3 examples of intracellular buffers?
→ Phosphate buffer system
→ Amino acids/ proteins
→ Haemoglobin (RBC)
What are 2 examples of extracellular buffers?
→Bicarbonate buffer system
→ Plasma proteins
What maintains blood homeostasis?
→ CO2 bicarbonate buffering system
How does the level of CO2 in the body determine acidity?
→ CO2 + H20 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-
→ CO2 reacts with water to form bicarbonate
→ Bicarbonate dissociates to form H+ and HCO3-
What happens during acidosis?
→ CO2 builds up in the blood
→ More carbonic acid is produced
→ H+ increases
What happens during alkalosis?
→ CO2 is removed from the blood
→ Less carbonic acid
→ H+ decreases
How do the lungs contribute to acid/base balance?
→ Regulate CO2 levels