an important buffer system in the human body involves carbon

an important buffer system in the human body involves carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ions as shown. if a person gets excited and exhales large amounts of CO2 how will his or her body\'s pH be affected? also describe why you think it is important to know pH levels for body function?

Solution

The waste product of cells is carbon dioxide.Carbon dioxide reacts with water in the cells to form carbonic acid /bicarbonate which is a weak acid.The pH of the blood becomes acidic.When a person, gets excited and exhales large amounts of CO2 , the carbon dioxide from the carbonic acid/bicarbonate dissociates and along with dissolved CO2 comes out of the body and the pH of the blood becomes basic.

It is important to know pH levels for body function because it gives us a clue as to if our system is working fine or not.Our body should maintain a pH of 7.4 at which our cellular system works the best.A proper pH balance is required for body\'s defense against pathogens and this is best provided by an alkaline pH of the blood. i.e 7.4.An acidic pH leads to depletion of proper oxygenation to the cells.Acidic pH also leads to depletion of calcium from the cells resulting in osteoporosis.