Which of the following substances is responsible for donating H+ ions to act as a buffer when blood pH rises?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Carbonic acid
D. Oxygen
Carbonic acid.
In the human body, maintaining the pH of the blood within a narrow range is critical for proper physiological functioning.
One of the buffering systems that helps to regulate blood pH involves the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is responsible for donating H+ ions to act as a buffer when blood pH rises.
When blood pH rises (becomes more alkaline), carbonic acid dissociates, and the H+ ions combine with bicarbonate ions to form more carbonic acid.
This helps to remove excess H+ ions from the blood and prevent the pH from rising too much.
Option A, carbon dioxide, is involved in the buffering system through its conversion to carbonic acid.
However, it does not directly donate H+ ions to act as a buffer when blood pH rises.
Option B, carbon monoxide, is a toxic gas that binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing them from carrying oxygen.
It is not involved in the buffering system and does not donate H+ ions.
Option D, oxygen, is carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells and is essential for respiration.
It is not involved in the buffering system and does not donate H+ ions.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.