Function of Bicarbonate

(ID : af955fb7-0725-4dd5-b761-72165184e33a)
/ˈ
fʌŋkʃən/ ʌv/ baɪˈ
kɑrbənət/ |noun|

Definition:Bicarbonate is an electrolyte found inside our bodies. It is a negatively charged ion.

Bicarbonate acts as a buffer system in our body. It is crucial for maintaining acid-base balance
in our bodies.

Overview:
In our body, Bicarbonate is present in the tissue and extracellular matrix. Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
forms from CO2 and H2O with the assistance of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase.
Bicarbonates have a buffer role. They maintain the homeostasis in our body by regulating the
pH within the optimum range of 7.35 to 7.45. To achieve the acid base balance, the kidney plays
a crucial role. It secretes and inhibits reabsorption of bicarbonate ion in cases of metabolic or
respiratory alkalosis in our body. The kidney inhibits secretion and promotes reabsorption of
bicarbonate in cases of metabolic or respiratory acidosis. Thus, hydrogen and bicarbonate ion
together play a role in preventing metabolic or respiratory acidosis and alkalosis in our body
with the help of the nephrons in our kidneys.

Key Takeaway:
● Bicarbonates maintain homeostasis by regulating the pH within our bodies.
● Formula of bicarbonate ion is HCO3-
● HCO3- is present in a wide variety of tissues. It is also present in the extracellular
matrix.
● Bicarbonate regulates the acid base balance by regulating hydrogen ion secretion and
reabsorption in the kidney.
The Function Of Bicarbonate As A Buffer:
Firstly, carbon dioxide and water combine to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) with the assistance of
an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase enzyme. This H2CO3 ionizes and splits to form H+ ions
and HCO3- ions. The hydrogen ion is positively charged. The bicarbonate ion is negatively
charged. The ionization of carbonic acid into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions is
spontaneous. The formation of H2CO3 from CO2 and H2O is a reversible reaction. The splitting
of carbonic acid into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions is also a reversible reaction.
CO2 + H2O H2CO3 H+ + HCO3-

Key Takeaway:
● The splitting of carbonic acid into positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively
charged bicarbonate ions are spontaneous and reversible. The formation of carbonic
acid is also a reversible reaction.

Bicarbonate Ion In The Kidney:

In the kidney, the nephron plays a vital role in the filtration, reabsorption, and secretion of
bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. This is essential to maintain an acid-base homeostasis
within ourselves. Bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions reach the nephron through renal blood
capillaries. They are filtered through the glomerulus of the nephron. After filtration, they
reached the proximal convoluted tubule (also called PCT) of the nephron. In the proximal
convoluted tubule, the hydrogen ion is directly reabsorbed into the luminal cells. However,
reabsorption of bicarbonate ions does not take place directly. This is because the proximal
convoluted cannot directly reabsorb the bicarbonate ion, so an indirect route is opted for.
Bicarbonate ion first combines with a hydrogen ion and forms carbonic acid. H2CO3 then breaks
down into CO2 and H20. The PCT of the nephron reabsorbs the carbon dioxide and water into
the luminal cells. After resorption of CO2 and H20 into the luminal cells, CO2 and H20 again
combine to form carbonic acid with the help of carbonic anhydrase enzyme. Carbonic acid splits
to form HCO3- ions and H+ ions. This is how reabsorption of bicarbonate by the proximal
convoluted tubule into the luminal cells is achieved. Nephrons promote secretes and inhibits
reabsorption of hydrogen ion in cases of metabolic or respiratory acidosis in our body.
Key Takeaway:
● Reabsorption of Bicarbonate from the proximal convoluted tubule of the nephron in a
kidney takes place indirectly.

Role Of Bicarbonate In The Secretion Of Hydrogen Ion:

In the distal part of the nephron, secretion of hydrogen ions takes place. The amount of
hydrogen ions secreted depends on the pH of our body. The secretion of hydrogen ions takes
place with the help of bicarbonate ions. Different types of carbonic anhydrase enzymes are
required in the tubular and the luminal cells of the nephron. H2CO3 with the help of carbonic
anhydrase type 4, forms CO2 and H2O. Carbon dioxide and water are then reabsorbed into the
luminal cells and converted into carbonic acid with the help of carbonic anhydrase type 2. This
carbonic acid spontaneously ionizes into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ion
is secreted into the nephron with the help of a transporter called a sodium hydrogen antiport
system. The secreted hydrogen ion can again combine with the bicarbonate ion present in the
nephron.
Key Takeaway:
● Secretion of H+ ions in the nephron takes place with the help of bicarbonate ion
reabsorption. This takes place in the distal portion.

LEXILE RANGE: 1010L - 1200L

Word Count : 811 words