/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 113 The bicarbonate buffer system op... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

The bicarbonate buffer system operates in the body's extracellular fluid by the following process: $$ \begin{array}{r} \mathrm{CO}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \Longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}(a q) \Longrightarrow \\ \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(a q)+\mathrm{H}^{+}(a q) \end{array} $$ What is expected to happen to the blood pH if the lungs are unable to expel \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) at the same rate as the body produces it? Describe what happens in terms of Le Chatelier's principle.

Short Answer

Expert verified
If the lungs are unable to expel CO2 at the same rate it's being produced, more H+ ions are produced as a response, thus increasing the acidity and lowering the blood pH. This happens because of Le Chatelier's principle leading to shift in equilibrium position to minimize the change.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Bicarbonate Buffer System

The bicarbonate buffer system is a chemical system that regulates the pH of blood and other biological fluids. The chemical reactions are as follows: \( \mathrm{CO}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \Longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}(a q) \Longrightarrow \ \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(a q)+\mathrm{H}^{+}(a q)\)
02

Apply Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts in the direction that'll minimize the change. Applying this principle to the bicarbonate buffer system, we can say that if CO2 is not expelled at the same rate as it's produced, it will accumulate and the reaction will be pushed to the right to minimize the change.
03

Understand the implications

When the reaction is pushed to the right, more \( \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}(a q) \) and then \( \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(a q) \) and \( \mathrm{H}^{+}(a q) \) are produced. The accumulation of \( \mathrm{H}^{+}(a q) \) ions increases the acidity, thus decreasing the pH of blood.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Le Chatelier's Principle and the Buffer System
Le Chatelier's principle is a fundamental concept in understanding how equilibrium systems react to changes. In the context of chemistry, it explains how a system at equilibrium responds to disturbances. If a change is introduced to a system, such as a concentration change, pressure change, or temperature change, the system will adjust to counteract the disturbance and restore equilibrium.

This principle is directly applicable to the bicarbonate buffer system in the human body. Here, the reversible reactions involved in this system maintain the blood pH around 7.4, essential for homeostasis. When there's an increase in carbon dioxide (CO鈧) levels, as noted in the equation:
  • CO鈧(g) + H鈧侽(l) 鈬 H鈧侰O鈧(aq) 鈬 HCO鈧冣伝(aq) + H鈦(aq)

According to Le Chatelier's principle, an increase in CO鈧 will drive the reaction towards the right. This leads to more production of bicarbonate ions (HCO鈧冣伝) and hydrogen ions (H鈦), leading to changes in blood pH.

The system's response is crucial for maintaining physiological balance, emphasizing the importance of equilibrium concepts in biological systems.
Blood pH Regulation through Bicarbonate Buffering
The regulation of blood pH is a vital physiological function, primarily managed by the bicarbonate buffer system. Maintaining a stable pH is essential for the survival of organisms as many biochemical processes are pH-dependent. The normal pH range of blood is 7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline.

The bicarbonate buffer system's equation provides insight into how this regulation is achieved:
  • CO鈧(g) + H鈧侽(l) 鈬 H鈧侰O鈧(aq) 鈬 HCO鈧冣伝(aq) + H鈦(aq)
When there is an accumulation of CO鈧 due to inadequate expulsion by the lungs, as might occur during respiratory distress, more carbonic acid (H鈧侰O鈧) forms. Subsequently, this leads to more bicarbonate (HCO鈧冣伝) and hydrogen ions (H鈦).

This increase in H鈦 leads to a lower pH, indicating acidosis. The body tries to counteract this by increasing respiration to expel more CO鈧, thus pushing the reaction to the left and helping bring the pH back to normal. This mechanism shows the interplay between chemical equilibrium and biological functions necessary for life.
Carbon Dioxide Equilibrium's Role in pH Balance
Carbon dioxide equilibrium plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. CO鈧 is produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration and transported in the blood, where it has a significant impact on pH. The reversible reaction involving CO鈧 is central to the bicarbonate buffer system:
  • CO鈧(g) + H鈧侽(l) 鈬 H鈧侰O鈧(aq) 鈬 HCO鈧冣伝(aq) + H鈦(aq)
If CO鈧 builds up in the blood due to conditions such as hypoventilation, this equilibrium is disturbed. As more CO鈧 is dissolved into the blood, more H鈧侰O鈧 and subsequently H鈦 ions are formed, leading to acidosis.

The body's response involves several mechanisms:
  • Increase in breathing rate to expel more CO鈧
  • Renal compensation to excrete H鈦 ions and reabsorb HCO鈧冣伝
These actions illustrate the dynamic nature of biological buffers, particularly under circumstances that challenge the normal balance. Understanding CO鈧 equilibrium helps in grasping how the body maintains its pH despite environmental or physiological changes, underscoring the complexity and efficiency of biological systems.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.