1. Maintaining Blood pH Acidosis…Alkalosis

2. Maintaining Blood pH Acid entering the blood stream Carbon dioxide is exhaled HCO 3 1- + H + H 2 CO 3 H 2 O + CO 2 Bicarbonate ion circulates in the blood stream where it is in equilibrium with H + and OH -. In the lungs, bicarbonate ions combine with a hydrogen ion and lose a water molecule to form carbon dioxide, which is exhaled. Kelter, Carr, Scott, Chemistry A World of Choices 1999, page 291

3. Alkalosis If our breathing becomes too fast (hyperventilation)… Carbon dioxide is removed from the blood too quickly. This accelerates the rate of degradation of carbonic acid into carbon dioxide and water. The lower level of carbonic acid encourages the combination of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions to make more carbonic acid. The final result is a fall in blood H 1+ levels that raises blood pH which can result in over-excitability or death. Kelter, Carr, Scott, Chemistry A World of Choices 1999, page 291

4. Acidosis If breathing becomes too slow (hypoventilation)… …free up acid, pH of blood drops, with associated health risks such as depression of the central nervous system or death. The normal pH of blood is between 7.2 – 7.4. This pH is maintained by the bicarbonate ion and other buffers. Kelter, Carr, Scott, Chemistry A World of Choices 1999, page 291