why when carbon dioxide increases it makes the blood more acidic
CO2 + H2O ==> H2CO3 ==> H^+ + HCO3^-
From this formula is the explanation -
co2 combines with h20 to make carbonic acid which relases hydrogen ions to lower ph?
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the body, it affects the pH balance in the blood and makes it more acidic. This happens because when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced as a waste product of cellular respiration in our body's cells.
2. Carbon dioxide diffuses from the cells into the bloodstream and gets carried by red blood cells.
3. Inside the red blood cells, carbon dioxide combines with water (H2O) in the presence of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase.
4. This reaction results in the formation of carbonic acid (H2CO3):
CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3
5. Carbonic acid can dissociate into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-):
H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-
6. The hydrogen ions released from carbonic acid increase the concentration of H+ ions in the blood, making it more acidic.
7. The increased acidity is measured using the pH scale, where pH values below 7 indicate acidity. In a normal state, blood has a pH of about 7.35 to 7.45, which is slightly alkaline.
8. The increase in acidity due to higher levels of carbon dioxide is known as respiratory acidosis.
It is important to note that the body has various physiological mechanisms to maintain the pH balance within a narrow range to ensure proper functioning of cells and organs. These mechanisms include breathing rate adjustments, kidney function, and the ability of buffers in the blood to neutralize excess hydrogen ions and maintain pH homeostasis.
When carbon dioxide (CO2) increases in the blood, it leads to a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. This process is known as respiratory acidosis. To understand why this happens, we need to look at the relationship between CO2 and pH in the blood.
First, it's important to know that carbon dioxide can dissolve in the blood and combine with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is a weak acid. The reaction is as follows:
CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3
Carbonic acid then breaks down into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-):
H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-
The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood determines its pH value. A lower pH indicates higher acidity, while a higher pH reflects lower acidity (more alkaline).
When there is an increase in CO2 levels, for example, during conditions like hypoventilation or respiratory failure, more CO2 is produced in the body. This excess CO2 diffuses into the blood and combines with water to form carbonic acid. This reaction releases additional hydrogen ions (H+) into the bloodstream, leading to an increase in the concentration of H+ ions.
As the concentration of H+ increases, the pH of the blood decreases, making it more acidic. The increase in H+ ions can disrupt the normal acid-base balance in the blood, which can have physiological consequences and affect bodily functions.
In summary, when carbon dioxide increases, it combines with water in the blood, forming carbonic acid and releasing hydrogen ions. These additional hydrogen ions lower the blood pH, making it more acidic.