Kidney function and pH

[DeathandTaxes]

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Which of the following functions of the kidney will contribute to raising plasma pH?

A. Reabsorption of H2CO3
B. Excretion of NH4+
C. REabsorption of CO2
D. Excretion of HCO3

From hyperlearning science workbook (princeton review) passage 65.




I thought it was D, because releasing base would take away H+ ions. But the answer is B. Anyone care to explain?

 

[pepocho]

.

 

[sillyjoe]

Let me try to clarify. When you excrete (pee) HCO3- you are "removing" OH- from solution and therefore have increased H+ concentration resulting in a DECREASED plasma pH. This same logic is the reason why excreting/removing NH4+ is removing an acid and thereby decreasing H+ concentration in the plasma.

 

[DeathandTaxes]

You're absolutely right, I didn't notice that.

Reading comprehension man