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 considered the fastest-acting buffering mechanism in the human body?

The phosphate buffer system

The respiratory system (regulation of CO$_2$)

The bicarbonate buffer system

The protein buffer system (including hemoglobin)

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of buffering mechanisms in the human body. Buffers help maintain pH homeostasis by neutralizing excess acids or bases. The human body has several buffering systems, including the bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system, protein buffer system, and respiratory system.

Recognize that the respiratory system regulates CO$_2$ levels in the blood. CO$_2$ combines with water to form carbonic acid (H$_2$CO$_3$), which dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO$_3^-$) and hydrogen ions (H$^+$). This process is reversible and allows the respiratory system to quickly adjust blood pH by altering the rate of CO$_2$ exhalation.

Compare the speed of action of the respiratory system to other buffering mechanisms. The respiratory system can respond within minutes to changes in blood pH by increasing or decreasing the breathing rate, making it the fastest-acting buffering mechanism.

Understand the role of other buffering systems: The bicarbonate buffer system works in conjunction with the respiratory system but relies on slower chemical equilibrium processes. The phosphate buffer system and protein buffer system (including hemoglobin) are slower and primarily act intracellularly or in specific tissues.

Conclude that the respiratory system is the fastest-acting buffering mechanism because it directly regulates CO$_2$ levels, which have a significant impact on blood pH, and it operates on a timescale of minutes compared to other systems.