Physiological chemistry (buffers): What is the principal buffer system of human blood that maintains pH near 7.4? Identify the conjugate acid–base pair predominantly responsible for buffering. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Chemistry
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AH₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻
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BH₂CO₃ / CO₃²⁻
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CCH₃COOH / CH₃COO⁻
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DNH₂CONH₂ / NH₂CONH⁺
Answer
Correct Answer: H₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻
Explanation
Concept/ApproachThe primary blood buffer is the bicarbonate system: carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) / bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), regulated by lungs (CO₂) and kidneys (HCO₃⁻).
Final AnswerH₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻