Please help?
10 points to best answer!!!!
10 points to best answer!!!!
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Because CO2 dissolves in water it forms carbonic acid, a weak acid, H2CO3 which dissociates in solution (such as the blood plasma).
H20 + CO2 ---> H2CO3
H2CO3 ---> HCO3- + H+
The H+ ions increase the pH of the blood, since proteins in the blood and in cells can only function within a narrow pH range a decrease in pH would cause these proteins to dissociate. An decrease in H+ also reduces the affinity of haemoglobin with O2 leading to respiratory acidosis.
Under normal conditions bicarbonate ions are secreted into the blood in controlled amounts to keep the pH relatively stable. However if H+ levels get too low this can lead to respiratory alkalosis, this happens in hyperventilation where the brain's blood vessels constrict, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and lightheadednes. Respiratory alkalosis that occurs at pH's above 7 disrupts the normal chemistry of the proteins in the blood and leads to an overley high concentration of OH- ions. It also disrupts electrolyte levels and transport in the blood.
H20 + CO2 ---> H2CO3
H2CO3 ---> HCO3- + H+
The H+ ions increase the pH of the blood, since proteins in the blood and in cells can only function within a narrow pH range a decrease in pH would cause these proteins to dissociate. An decrease in H+ also reduces the affinity of haemoglobin with O2 leading to respiratory acidosis.
Under normal conditions bicarbonate ions are secreted into the blood in controlled amounts to keep the pH relatively stable. However if H+ levels get too low this can lead to respiratory alkalosis, this happens in hyperventilation where the brain's blood vessels constrict, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and lightheadednes. Respiratory alkalosis that occurs at pH's above 7 disrupts the normal chemistry of the proteins in the blood and leads to an overley high concentration of OH- ions. It also disrupts electrolyte levels and transport in the blood.