[Campbell Biology P.102] Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system in maintaining human blood pH?

  • A: It primarily adds hydrogen ions (H+) to the blood when pH drops.
  • B: It shifts to the right, forming more H2CO3, when pH rises.
  • C: When pH drops (H+ rises), the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) acts as a base to remove excess H+.
  • D: Carbonic acid (H2CO3) dissociates to produce CO2 and H2O when pH rises.

Explanation

The text states: "when the H+ concentration in blood begins to rise when pH drops , the reaction proceeds to the left, with HCO3 the base removing the hydrogen ions from the solution and forming H2CO3."