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

Acids and Bases

Biochemistry

2. Water

Acids and Bases

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Multiple Choice

Most of the hydrogen ions in body fluids are products of ______.

respiratory excretion

dietary acids

renal filtration

cellular metabolism

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is asking about the primary source of hydrogen ions in body fluids. Hydrogen ions (H⁺) are crucial for maintaining the body's pH balance, and their production is tied to metabolic processes.

Step 2: Recall the concept of cellular metabolism. Cellular metabolism refers to the chemical reactions occurring within cells to produce energy. During these reactions, especially aerobic respiration, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is produced as a byproduct. CO₂ reacts with water (H₂O) in the presence of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻).

Step 3: Evaluate the other options provided in the question. Respiratory excretion refers to the removal of CO₂ from the body via the lungs, which helps regulate pH but does not directly produce hydrogen ions. Dietary acids can contribute to hydrogen ion levels but are not the primary source. Renal filtration involves the kidneys managing hydrogen ion levels but does not produce them.

Step 4: Connect the dots. Cellular metabolism is the primary source of hydrogen ions because it generates CO₂, which leads to the formation of H⁺ through the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system. This process is central to maintaining acid-base balance in the body.

Step 5: Summarize the reasoning. The correct answer is cellular metabolism because it is the fundamental process responsible for the majority of hydrogen ion production in body fluids, primarily through the breakdown of nutrients and subsequent chemical reactions.