One of the buffers that contribute to pH stability in human blood is carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic acid is a weak acid that dissociates into a bicarbonate ion (HCO3?) and a hydrogen ion (H?). Thus,
H2CO3 ? HCO3? + H?
If the pH of the blood drops, one would expect
A) a decrease in the concentration of H2CO3 and an increase in the concentration of HCO3?.
B) the concentration of hydroxide ion (OH?) to increase.
C) the concentration of bicarbonate ion (HCO3?) to increase.
D) the HCO3? to act as a base and remove excess H? with the formation of H2CO3.
E) the HCO3? to act as an acid and remove excess H? with the formation of H2CO3.
Answer: D
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