Naturally occurring acid base buffering system in an organism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying examples of naturally occurring acid-base buffering systems in organisms, with a focus on the mechanisms that maintain pH balance in biological systems. Participants explore various buffering systems, their components, and their significance in maintaining physiological pH levels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the normal pH of blood is about 7.40 and that it is maintained within a narrow range (7.35 to 7.45) through buffering systems like HCO3-/H2CO3 in red blood cells and plasma.
  • Another participant mentions that HPO4 2-/H2PO4 - also serves as a buffer in cells and urine.
  • A different participant suggests that proteins, particularly hemoglobin, act as important buffers in the body by absorbing excess hydrogen ions when not carrying oxygen.
  • There is a query regarding the similarity between two questions about buffering systems, indicating some confusion about the distinctions between them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of various buffering systems in organisms, but there is some uncertainty regarding the distinction between different questions posed about these systems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the relationship between different types of buffering systems and their roles, indicating a need for further clarification on the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying biology or chemistry, particularly those interested in physiological processes and acid-base balance in living organisms.

aisha
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I tried looking for this online, but didn't really find anything can someone help me out I need an example of a naturally- occurring acid-base buffering system in an organism
 
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We have a natural acid base buffering system within us. The normal pH of our blood is about 7.40. If our blood falls outside of the 7.35 to 7.45 range we would become seriously ill. Digestion produces a range of products, a lot of them are acidic and despite this addition of H+ ions the blood pH is maintained. This is done through H/CO3 -/H2CO3 buffers in red blood cells and the blood plasma.
HPO4 2-/H2PO4 - are also used as buffers in maintaining constant PH in cells and urine
 
I think I am having trouble because I have two questions that are quite similar

The first question was
Which macromolecule within the body can act as a buffer?

I wrote the following

The macromolecules within the body that can act as a buffer are proteins. Proteins are effective buffers inside cells and blood. They are the most important buffers in the body. The most active protein buffer within the blood is hemoglobin. It absorbs excess hydrogen ions when it’s not carrying oxygen. Another macromolecule that acts as a buffer is the phosphate buffer. Its concentration is low in the extracellular fluid, however it is an important urinary and cytoplasm buffer. Finally, there is a bicarbonate buffer system within the body that can be found in tissue fluids and blood.

The next question was
Find another example of a naturally-occurring acid-base buffering system that exists within an organism.

I feel like this is the same question is it?
 

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