Blood pH: Maintaining Normal 7.35-7.45 Range

  • Thread starter Thread starter afcwestwarrior
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The normal pH range of blood is 7.35-7.45, maintained by two major buffer systems, primarily the HCO3-/CO2 (aq) system. A pH below 6.8 or above 8.0 disrupts cellular function and can lead to death. The discussion includes calculations for the equilibrium concentrations of HCO3- and CO2 (aq) in blood, demonstrating the impact of added H+ on blood pH. The equilibrium constant (Keq) and pKa values are critical for understanding these reactions in physiological conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry and buffer systems
  • Knowledge of equilibrium constants (K1, K2, K4) and pKa values
  • Familiarity with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
  • Basic skills in chemical calculations and molarity
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for buffer systems
  • Study the physiological implications of blood pH variations
  • Explore the role of the lungs in regulating blood CO2 levels
  • Investigate the effects of metabolic and respiratory acidosis on blood pH
USEFUL FOR

Medical students, biochemists, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the physiological mechanisms of blood pH regulation.

afcwestwarrior
Messages
453
Reaction score
0
Blood has a normal pH of 7.35-7.45 and contains two major buffer systems. It is important that the pH of blood remains relatively constant because at pH below 6.8 or greater than 8.0, cells cannot function properly and death may result. The HCO3-/CO2 (aq) blood buffer in vivo is an open system in which the concentration of dissolved CO2 is maintained constant. Any excess CO2 produced by the reaction H+ + HCO3- ---> H2O + CO2 is expelled by the lungs. Note that a typical laboratory buffer is a closed system. The concentration of conjugate acid increases when H+ reacts with the conjugate base.
You calculated the Keq and pK of Reaction (4) from the following reactions and K values in lecture.
CO2 (g) <==> CO2 (aq) K1 = 3 x 10-5 at 37oC.
CO2 (aq) + H2O (l) <==> H2CO3 (aq) K2 = 5 x 10-3 at 37oC
H2CO3 (aq) <==> H+ (aq) + HCO3- (aq) pKa = 3.8 at 37oC
CO2 (aq) + H2O (l) <==> H+ (aq) + HCO3- (aq) K4 = ?
You calculated the [HCO3-] = 0.024 M in blood at pH 7.4. Calculate the [CO2 (aq)] in blood at this pH.
0.01 M H+ is added to blood. You calculated the pH of blood under conditions such that the increased [CO2 (aq)] can be released as CO2 (g). In other words, assume that the blood buffer is an open system. Remember that the [CO2 (aq)] remains constant in this open buffer system.
a. Cells cannot function property if the pH of blood falls below 6.8 or rises above 8.0. Calculate the amount in M of H+ that is added to blood for the blood pH to fall to 6.8.

Here's my work,
CO2 (aq) + H2O → H+ + HCO-3
initial .0012 .018 M .024
reacted - 0 added -.018 M
equillibrium .0012 M .006 M

PH= 6.1 + log (.006 M/ .0012 M)= 6.8 PH
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
i got the exact same thing after trying the problem
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
34K
Replies
12
Views
12K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K