Work Sheet 3

Acidosis/Alkalosis

1. Identify the most common biological weak base and its typical pK_a range.

2. Describe buffering as a property of acids and bases.

3. Draw the equilibrium reaction of sodium bicarbonate in aqueous solution and list four features which help make this an effective blood buffering system.

4. Describe the dynamic state of CO₂ in the body and predict the direction in which the bicarbonate equilibrium will be shifted in respiratory failure vs. hyperventilation.

5. Describe acidosis and alkalosis, give examples of how each arise, and predict how each will shift the bicarbonate equilibrium.

© Sturm 2014