The pH of the blood is maintained by the balance between H2CO3 and NaH...
Introduction:
The pH of blood is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. It is maintained within a narrow range of 7.35-7.45. The balance between carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) plays a crucial role in regulating the pH of blood.
Role of CO2 and HCO3-:
CO2 is produced as a waste product of cellular respiration and is transported in the blood in the form of carbonic acid (H2CO3). The enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the reversible reaction between CO2 and H2O to form H2CO3. H2CO3 then dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+).
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
The pH of blood can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
pH = pKa + log (HCO3-/H2CO3)
Where pKa is the negative logarithm of the acid dissociation constant of H2CO3.
Effect of increased CO2:
When the amount of CO2 in the blood increases, it leads to an increase in the concentration of H2CO3. This, in turn, increases the concentration of H+ ions. According to Le Chatelier's principle, when the concentration of H+ ions increases, the equilibrium shifts to the left, causing an increase in the concentration of H2CO3 and a decrease in the concentration of HCO3-.
As a result of this shift in equilibrium, the ratio of HCO3-/H2CO3 decreases, leading to a decrease in the pH of blood. Therefore, option 'b' is incorrect.
Role of bicarbonate buffer system:
The bicarbonate buffer system in the blood helps to minimize changes in pH. It acts as a weak acid (H2CO3) and its conjugate base (HCO3-) to maintain the pH within the normal range.
Compensatory mechanisms:
When the pH of blood deviates from the normal range, the body activates compensatory mechanisms to restore it. In the case of increased CO2 levels, the respiratory system increases the rate and depth of breathing to eliminate excess CO2 from the body. This helps to restore the balance between CO2 and HCO3-, thereby maintaining the pH of blood.
Conclusion:
In summary, an increase in the amount of CO2 in the blood leads to a decrease in the pH of blood due to the shift in equilibrium between H2CO3 and HCO3-. The bicarbonate buffer system and compensatory mechanisms help to maintain the pH within the normal range.