Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

2. Water

Biochemistry

2. Water

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Multiple Choice

What happens to the pH of the body as CO$_2$ levels increase?

The pH decreases, making the blood more acidic.

The pH increases, making the blood more basic.

The pH remains unchanged.

The pH fluctuates randomly.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the relationship between CO$_2$ levels and pH: CO$_2$ reacts with water in the body to form carbonic acid (H$_2$CO$_3$), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H$^+$) and bicarbonate ions (HCO$_3^-$). This process is described by the equation: CO$_2$ + H$_2$O ⇌ H$_2$CO$_3$ ⇌ H$^+$ + HCO$_3^-$.

Recognize that an increase in CO$_2$ levels shifts the equilibrium of the reaction to produce more H$^+$ ions, as per Le Chatelier's principle. This increase in H$^+$ ions lowers the pH, making the blood more acidic.

Recall that pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, where lower pH values correspond to higher concentrations of H$^+$ ions and greater acidity.

Eliminate incorrect options: The pH does not increase (making the blood more basic), remain unchanged, or fluctuate randomly. These options contradict the biochemical mechanism of CO$_2$ affecting pH.

Conclude that as CO$_2$ levels increase, the pH decreases, making the blood more acidic. This is a key concept in understanding respiratory acidosis, a condition caused by elevated CO$_2$ levels.