*SPOILER* Altius FL 4 B/B #14

[Dr. To Be]

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Hey!

I understand why B is the correct answer, however, I am confused why C would increase decrease blood acidity. If bicarbonate is converted into CO2, wouldn't blood acidity increase? Thanks!

 

[whitecoater]

Conversion of HCO3- to CO2 would decrease [H+] because HCO3- consumes any tiny amount of H+ available (remember blood pH is slightly basic even for venous blood with higher [H+] than arterial blood, ranging 7.35-7.45, respectively) to yield H2CO3 which then decomposes into CO2 and H2O, as expected for this physiological buffer system. Under normal condition, only a tiny amount of weak acid H2CO3 dissociates into H+ and HCO3-. Under physiological condition, CO2 (g) evaporates via exhalation which is facilitated further via Bohr and Haldane effects, collectively shifting the reaction to the left for any stressor [H+] applied to the system, according to Le Chatelier's Principle, maintaining the buffer pH range.

 

[Dr. To Be]

That makes sense! Thank you!