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Multiple Choice
Which of the following acids occurs naturally in the human body and plays an important regulatory role?
A
Nitric acid ($\mathrm{HNO_3}$)
B
Sulfuric acid ($\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$)
C
Carbonic acid ($\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$)
D
Hydrochloric acid ($\mathrm{HCl}$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the acids listed in the problem and their chemical formulas: Nitric acid ($\mathrm{HNO_3}$), Sulfuric acid ($\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$), Carbonic acid ($\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$), and Hydrochloric acid ($\mathrm{HCl}$).
Step 2: Recall the role of each acid in biological systems. Nitric acid ($\mathrm{HNO_3}$) and Sulfuric acid ($\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$) are strong acids but do not naturally occur in the human body in significant amounts or play regulatory roles.
Step 3: Consider Carbonic acid ($\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$). It is formed in the human body as part of the carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) transport system. Carbonic acid plays a critical role in maintaining pH balance in the blood through the bicarbonate buffer system.
Step 4: Evaluate Hydrochloric acid ($\mathrm{HCl}$). It is secreted by the stomach lining and aids in digestion by creating an acidic environment, but its role is more localized to digestion rather than broad regulatory functions.
Step 5: Conclude that Carbonic acid ($\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$) is the correct answer because it naturally occurs in the human body and plays an important regulatory role in maintaining pH homeostasis.