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

Buffer Solution

Biochemistry

2. Water

Buffer Solution

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a major chemical buffering system in the human body?

Chloride buffer system

Sulfate buffer system

Bicarbonate buffer system

Phosphate buffer system

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of a chemical buffering system: A buffering system helps maintain pH stability in the body by neutralizing excess acids or bases. This is crucial for physiological processes that depend on a stable pH environment.

Identify the major buffering systems in the human body: The primary buffering systems include the bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system, and protein buffer systems. These systems work in different compartments of the body, such as blood, intracellular fluid, and extracellular fluid.

Focus on the bicarbonate buffer system: The bicarbonate buffer system is the most important buffering system in the human body for maintaining blood pH. It involves the equilibrium between carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). The reaction can be represented as:

{CO}_{2} + H_{2} O \leftrightarrow H_{2} CO 3 \leftrightarrow H_{+} + {HCO}_{3}

Compare the bicarbonate buffer system to other options: The chloride and sulfate buffer systems are not major contributors to pH regulation in the human body. The phosphate buffer system is important in intracellular fluid and the kidneys but is less significant than the bicarbonate buffer system in blood pH regulation.

Conclude why the bicarbonate buffer system is the correct answer: The bicarbonate buffer system is the primary mechanism for maintaining blood pH within the narrow range of 7.35–7.45. It is highly effective due to its ability to interact with respiratory and renal systems to regulate carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels.