Answer
The bicarbonate ion(HCO3) is the conjugate base of the carbonic acid-- bicarbonate buffering system. When strong like sulfuric acid or ketones release hydrogen ions into body fluids , the increase in H+ ions tends to raise pH and disturb optimal conditions for chemical and physiological processes in the body. The bicarbonate ion is a hydrogen acceptor, so it binds with the excess hydrogen ions and removes them from solution. This decreases the hydrogen ion concentration[H+] and lowers pH back to normal levels--7.35 to 7.45.
Work Step by Step
The acceptance of hydrogen ions(H+) by the conjugate bicarbonate (HCO3-) results in the formation of carbonic acid H2CO3. Based on the operation of mass laws, carbonic acid (a weak acid) can dissociate into carbon dioxide and water. This reaction is reversible and is speeded up under the catalytic action of carbonic anhydrase. When this reaction takes place in the respiratory system, the carbon dioxide is removed by expiration. Buffers can also combine with the renal system to remove hydrogen ions and help maintain the body's pH homeostasis
