If our blood tend to be acid, the H2CO3 in the blood will decomposed to H2O and CO2. At the same time, because the concentration of H2CO3 in blood decreased, it will shift the reaction toward right: H++HCO3-àH2CO3. So the excess H+ in the blood are used to form H2CO3, and then decomposed to be H2O and CO2, which CO2 will expel to outside of body through lungs.
By contrast, if the blood tend to be basic, the H2CO3 in the blood will decomposed to be H+ and HCO3-. This is because the basic solution means less H+ ion, and the less H+ in solution means low concentration of H+. So, the reaction will shift to left: H++HCO3-ßH2CO3. The extra H+ that generate by H2CO3 will neutralized the excess basic iron and keep the pH in a certain range. Also, the excess HCO3- will be expel to outside body by kidney.
So, through shifting the equilibrium of reaction, the buffer can make the solution neither too acid nor too basic.
This is really interesting to learn about. My major is the complete opposite when it comes to sizes of things. I am learning about things that are HUGE whereas you are learning about things that are extremely tiny. I have a hard time understanding these types of things, so I think the way you described it was the perfect way for someone like me to understand. Is "buffers" something that can be surgically given to a patient that needs the blood to be more acidic or more basic? Or is it just a natural reaction in our body that neutralizes itself?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Actually, this process happened in our body all the time, and this is the way how our body control the pH of blood. Without this process, the pH of blood will be extremely unstable. It will cause a huge damage on cells, organs or even the entire system. So, we have to confess that our body is truly amazing.
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