Question

The bicarbonate buffering system in the blood is the most important buffering system in the ECF. Bicarbonate ion and carbonic acid are the key components of this buffering system. The weak base ____________ serves to buffer the strong acid ____________ . The buffer to the strong base ____________ is ____________ . The byproduct of these reactions is ____________ .

Answer 1

The bicarbonate buffering system in the blood is the most important buffering system in the ECF. Bicarbonate ion and carbonic acid are the key components of this buffering system. The weak base bicarbonate serves to buffer the strong acid H+. The buffer to the strong base OH- is carbonic acid. The byproduct of these reactions is water.

Explanation:

A buffer system utilizes chemical buffers and resists any changes in the pH and adjusts acidity and alkalinity of the medium by binding or releasing H+ ions accordingly.  

A bicarbonate buffering system in the ECF regulates the bicarbonate level and maintains the normal acidity level of blood.

Sodium bicarbonate reacting with a strong acid (HCl) produces a weak acid (carbonic acid) and sodium chloride. A strong base like (NaOH) reacts with carbonic acid producing bicarbonate and water.

NaHCo3 + HCl → H2CO3 + NaCl

H2Co3 + NaOH → HCO3 + H20

The acidity of the blood is regulated by maintaining the ratio of bicarbonate and carbonic acid at 20:1 under normal conditions through the bicarbonate buffer system. The carbonic acid level is regulated by the respiratory system; while carbonate level is regulated by the renal system.