Test: MCAT Physical

Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.

CO2 + H2O  H2CO3

 H2CO3  HCO3- + H+

1.

While the kidney is able to compensate for many acid/base changes in our bodies, vomiting is a temporary cause of acid/base imbalance. While vomiting may allow our bodies to get rid of toxic substances, it also causes us to lose gastric acid, which influences blood pH. How would the loss of gastric acid change the pH of our blood?

Decrease pH

Increase pH

Not change in pH

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