TLS Online TPP Program

#Question id: 398


One of the buffers that contribute to pH stability in human blood is carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic acid is a weak acid that, when placed in an aqueous solution, dissociates into a bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and a hydrogen ion (H+). (See figure.)

If the pH of blood drops, one would expect ________.

#Part-B Specialized Branches in Biotechnology
  1. a decrease in the concentration of H2CO3 and an increase in the concentration of HCO3-

  2. the concentration of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) to increase

  3. the HCO3- to act as a base and remove excess H+ by the formation of H2CO3

  4. the HCO3- to act as an acid and remove excess H+ by the formation of H2CO3