NUT ey INVESTIGATION An Easy Approach to Understanding Acid-Base Balance in a Blood Buffer System yy JONATHAN M. HUGHES, VICTOR H.VILHI, CATHY LEE Aastaact Understanding acid-base disonders using weak-acid concepts learned in general chemistry las is challenging for pre-nusing and pre-professional Biology students enrolled in anatomy/physiology and biochemistry clases We utilized a graphic seesaw model of carbonic acid-bicabonateequiid- rium using the Henderson-Hasslbalch (HII) equation of weak acid. We then used real-world clinical case studies for students to identify ackd-base disorders and the appropriate compensatory responses of the ngs and Iidneys, Stuients developed a working knowledge of how the bicarbonate blood bufer system maintains a physiological pH of 74 using a “seesaw ‘with metabolic [HCOs] on one side, and respiratory PCO, on the other at «ratio of 20.1 inthe H-H equation. When the dysfunction of ether the hid- nes or lungs causes the sesaw tip, homeostasis pH is disrupted, caus ing an acid-base dsonder classified as metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, The functioning organ can “level the seesaw” by compensating Jor the dysfunction of the opposite organ to regain homeostasis. Unlike traditional ways of explaining acid-base disorders, this graphic seesaw ‘method i a simple and easy way to achieve understanding, Key Words: acidosis; alkalosis; bicarbonate; blood buffer; compensation Henderson-Iasselbalch equation; homeostasis; kidneys; lungs; metabolic; respiratory; seesaw: weak acid O Introduction Although undergraduate health science students ae first exposed to acid-base concepts in general chemistry courses, they seldom apply sweak-acid equilibria concepts to biological system dents may erroneously use strong, acid/base equations to descr weale acid bullers. A buller system is formed when a weal acid is paired with its corresponding sa. The tendency for a weak acid to retain ts proton is defined as the pKa, a dissociation constant uanique to each weak acid, Weak acids with a higher pKa have a stronger tendency to retain their acidie hydrogen, thereby decreas- ing hydrogen ans in solution. Tn an ideal bulfer, the weak-acid affinity for protons acts asa “backup reservoir’ supplying protons as needed within the buffer range defined as pKa +/=1 pH unit. This helps to Keep the # ion stable, and thus the pH of the Asaresult,stu- solution within the bullesing capacity when protons are added or removed from solution, ‘Maintaining physiological human blood pl (7 35-7 45) is vital ll function. Blood pH that line can denature vital proteins andl enzymes needed for normal cell processes (Rosival, 2011). Acute cases of acidosis o alkalosis where DH is outside of bulering capacity can result in sudden coma and potentially death if timely intervention does not occur. There early detection, diagnosis, and compensation a factors in determining patient outcome. The major buffer system responsible for sabilizing pH of the blood and extracellular fluids isthe cat Donic acidl-bicarbonate conjugate pair Figure 1) for normal 0 acidic oF too alka HCO5 (bicarbonate) + II* & HCO, (carbonic acid) 4 CO, + H20 Figure 1. Carbonic acid-bicarbonate equilibrium equation. The H-H equation defines the rela ratio of salt (bicarbonate) and weak HCO;tbic: nnship between pH and the d (carbonic acid): ie acid) = CO, + H,0 shonate) + H* = H, CO,(carb The weak acid of the bicarbonate buffer system, cathonie acid hhasa pKa of 6.1 (Prat & Comely, 2018). Itis important to note that the pKa of carbonic acid is constant, and therefore pH is diecly dependent on the ratio of bieatbonate to cazbonie acid in the H-HL (HAE Equation (9) 1-H Bguaton for Cartonic Acid pil = pa og 2 pilofbood plasma pil = 61 + og 22 yan o1443 Figure 2. (A) Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for buffer systems pl isa function of the pKa of applied weak acid (HA) and the logarithmic ratio of conjugate base (A) to weak acid concentration. (B) Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for the carbonic acid conjugate base buffer system; pH = 7.4 when the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid is 20:1 ‘The smenon Boy Teacher Vol 6H No.8 pp SP6-5, SSN GOUENS, elcron IN 1990-71, © 021 by The Regent ofthe Unweriy of alforna Alight reverved Please recall quests or permission a pholaopy or reproduce alle conan rough he Univer CallorinPres's Reis nd Permissions web pote, hips /wwn cpressed/joumaireprne-permisons DOK p//d og 8525/9020 S "THE AMERICAN BIOLOGY TERCHER VOLUMES NO 8, OCTOUEA OAL