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