Metabolic Mechanism

The other mechanism is metabolic.

• We generally concentrate on the bicarbonate buffer system.
  • There are two other metabolic buffers.
    • They are the phosphate buffer system and the protein buffer system.
    • Their effect is slow, complex and not important to this discussion.

The metabolic mechanism is actually just the other side of the bicarbonate buffer system.

• The important value here is bicarbonate (HCO3-). You may have noticed that it's made out of the same atoms as CO2 and H2O.

In the kidneys, carbonic acid (H2CO3) is changed to bicarbonate, which is a base. The simplified formula is:

H2CO3 --> (HCO3-) + (H+)

Points to remember:

1. Metabolic mechanism controls bicarb; amount of HCO3- is controlled by kidneys.
2. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) is a base.
3. High HCO3- causes alkalosis (raises pH), or neutralizes acidosis.
4. Low HCO3- causes acidosis (lowers pH), or neutralizes alkalosis.

Instant Feedback:

© RnCeus.com