Biochemistry at The Biology Project

Clinical Correlates of pH Levels
Problem Set

Problem 4: Additional rapid response to acidosis

Correct!

Continuing with the previous question, an additional rapid response to metabolic acidosis kicks in at or below pH 7.14, which is:

A. retention of OH- in the kidney.
Even if this did happen, it would be very slow and incomplete compared to the real response, which is instantaneous.
B. retaining HCO3- in the kidney.
Although this does help a little, it is too slow and incomplete to do much good.
C. excreting H+ in the kidney.
This might help a little, but is very slow and incomplete.
D. direct buffering action of the H2CO3 central intermediate.
In tissues at pH values below 7.14 (i.e., within one pH unit of the pKa), H+ ions are instantaneously absorbed by bicarbonate ion.
E. retaining CO2 in the lung.
This would actually make the situation worse.

[Problem 4] [Tutorial] [Problem 5]

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January 19, 1999
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