Week 9 Flashcards
What are the three major mechanisms of acid-base balance?
- Buffering systems
- Exhalation of CO2
- Modulation of H+ and HCO3- in the kidneys
What role do buffering systems play in acid-base balance?
They help maintain the pH of body fluids
Why is maintaining optimum pH crucial?
To prevent denaturing of proteins and loss of function
What happens to protein structure when there is a large increase or decrease in H+ concentration?
Disruption of bonding mechanisms leads to protein unfolding and denaturing
What are acids defined as in terms of hydrogen ions?
Hydrogen ion (proton) donors
What is the pH scale range?
From 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely basic)
What is the pH at which a solution contains 0.0000001 mol/L of hydrogen ions?
pH 7
What are the two types of protein buffer systems mentioned?
- Hemoglobin in RBCs
- Albumin in plasma
What are the two ions involved in the phosphate buffer system?
- Dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4-)
- Monohydrogen phosphate (HPO4^2-)
What is the function of dihydrogen phosphate in the phosphate buffer system?
It functions as a weak acid and buffers hydroxide ions (OH-) by donating a H+
How does monohydrogen phosphate act in the phosphate buffer system?
It acts as a weak base and binds H+ in solution to form dihydrogen phosphate
What are the limitations of the buffering systems?
They are rapid in action but temporary in nature and have limited capacity
What is the role of the renal system in acid-base balance?
It can secrete hydrogen ions to reduce acidity, maintaining blood pH
What ions are involved in the renal secretion of H+?
- Bicarbonate ions
- Ammonia (NH3)
- Monohydrogen phosphate (HPO4^2-)
True or False: Acids reduce the concentration of H+ in a solution.
False
Fill in the blank: Bases are H+ _______.
acceptors
What is the effect of increased acidity on proteins?
Causes denaturing of proteins and loss of function
What happens at pH 5 compared to pH 6?
pH 5 contains 10 times more H+ and is 10x more acidic than pH 6
What is the dissociation of hydrochloric acid (HCl)?
HCl dissociates to H+ and Cl-
What is the role of bicarbonate in the proximal tubule?
It is involved in the secretion of H+
What are the consequences of protein denaturation?
Alters protein shape and reduces function
What is the role of minerals in biochemical reactions?
Minerals can be part of enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions
Minerals are essential for various physiological processes
Name two important functions of minerals.
- Play an important part in immunity
- Essential for muscle contraction and cell activation
Minerals are vital for overall health and physiological functions
How are minerals classified based on daily requirements?
- MacroMinerals: > 100 mg per day
- Microminerals: < 100 mg per day
This classification helps in understanding dietary needs
What is the most abundant mineral in the body?
Calcium
Calcium plays a crucial role in bone health and various bodily functions
What percentage of calcium in the body is found in bones?
Around 96%
Calcium combines with phosphate to form the inorganic component of bones
In what forms is calcium present in the blood?
- Free calcium
- Bound to plasma proteins
These forms are important for various physiological functions
What is the daily requirement of calcium?
1000 mg per day
Adequate calcium intake is essential for maintaining bone density
What do calcium and phosphate ions form in the body?
A lattice structure
This structure is crucial for the extracellular matrix of bone
What is the role of calcium in neurotransmitter release?
Triggers exocytosis of synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter
Calcium enters the axon terminal to facilitate this process
Name a function of calcium related to muscle activity.
Role in muscle contraction
Calcium is essential for initiating muscle contraction
What is Factor IV in blood clotting?
Calcium
Calcium is crucial in the blood clotting cascade
What does thrombin do in the clotting process?
Converts fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin
This forms a network that stabilizes the blood clot
What substance prevents blood clotting?
EDTA
EDTA is commonly used in laboratory settings to prevent clot formation
What percentage of phosphate in the body is combined with and used in bones?
85%
The remaining 15% exists as ions.
List the ions that make up the remaining 15% of phosphate.
- Не рОй-
- Н РОц -
- PO,3-
These ions are important for various physiological functions.
What is one of the functions of phosphate ions in the body?
Function as buffers
Buffers help maintain pH levels in biological systems.
What are most ions in the body bound to?
- Lipids (phospholipids)
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Nucleic acids
- ATP
These bindings are crucial for cellular functions.
What is the relationship between calcium and phosphate in the human body?
They have a close association
Bones act as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate.
Which hormones are involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphate?
- Parathyroid hormone
- Calcitriol
- Calcitonin
These hormones play key roles in maintaining calcium and phosphate levels.
What triggers the release of parathyroid hormone?
Low blood calcium levels
Parathyroid hormone helps to increase blood calcium levels.
What effect does parathyroid hormone have on osteoclasts?
Stimulates osteoclasts to increase resorption of bone
This process releases calcium and phosphate ions from the bone matrix.