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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT one of the body's chemical buffering systems?
A
Bicarbonate buffer system
B
Chloride buffer system
C
Phosphate buffer system
D
Protein buffer system
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of chemical buffering systems. Buffering systems help maintain the body's pH within a narrow range by neutralizing excess acids or bases. Common buffering systems include bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein buffers.
Step 2: Review the bicarbonate buffer system. This system is one of the primary buffering mechanisms in the body, especially in the blood. It involves the equilibrium between carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻).
Step 3: Examine the phosphate buffer system. This system operates primarily in intracellular fluids and the kidneys. It involves the equilibrium between dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO₄²⁻).
Step 4: Analyze the protein buffer system. Proteins, such as hemoglobin, act as buffers by binding to hydrogen ions (H⁺) or releasing them, depending on the pH of the environment.
Step 5: Identify the chloride buffer system. This is not recognized as one of the body's primary chemical buffering systems. Chloride ions (Cl⁻) are involved in ionic balance but do not function as a chemical buffer in maintaining pH.