Chapter 24.3, Problem 4AYLO

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The chemical buffer systems (the bicarbonate, the phosphate, and the protein), their mechanisms, and relation to the physiological buffer systems.

Introduction:

The buffer resists the changes of the pH in a solution by converting the strong acid to the weak acid or the strong base to the weak base. Physiological as well as chemical buffer systems regulate the stabilization and control the body’s pH.

Physiological buffer: A system stabilizes pH of the body by controlling acids, bases, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) outputs. Examples are the respiratory system and the urinary system. The urinary system needs several hours to days to produce its effect because it can buffer large amount of acid or base. The respiratory system requires few minutes to exert its effect; however, it cannot produce remarkable alteration in the pH when compared to the urinary system.

Chemical buffer: A substance that binds to hydrogen ions and removes them from a solution when the concentration of hydrogen ions begins to increase or the substances release hydrogen ions to the solution when the concentration of hydrogen ions begin to decrease. Within a second, the normal pH of the solution is restored by the chemical buffers. The chemical buffer systems are categorized into three types namely bicarbonate, the phosphate, and the protein systems.