Homework Help Forum: Biochemistry

Posted by Andrew on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 1:51pm.

The pH of arterial blood is 7.42. When 10 mL of the blood is acidified, 5.91 mL of CO2 is produced. 1) what is the total concentration of CO2 in the blood [CO2]+[HCO3-]? The experimental value for the volume of one mole of CO2 is 22.26 L/mol. 2) What are the individual concentrations of CO2 and HCO3-? I have no idea what the first question is asking. Thanks in advance!

• Biochemistry - DrBob222, Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 3:14pm

  Can't you determine the moles CO2 by 5.91 mL (change to L)/22.26 L/mol = ?? Then substitute into the Henderson-Hasselbach equation pH = pKa + log (HCO3^-)/(CO2) and solve for (HCO3^-). Change to mols HCO3^-, add moles CO2 (present as H2CO3), then divide moles/L to find total concn? The answer to the second problem you obtained to get the answer for the first part. I think pKa is 6.1 or close to that.

  
  

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