Asked by Maria Silva on Jun 25, 2024
Verified
Which of the following reactions is most likely to occur if an individual was to ingest a large dose of lemon juice?
A) There would be an increase in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
B) There would be an increase in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.
C) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
D) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.
Carbonic Acid
A weak acid formed from the dissolution of carbon dioxide in water, playing an important role in the buffering of blood pH.
Lemon Juice
A sour liquid produced by squeezing lemons, known for its high vitamin C content and culinary and cleaning uses.
Bloodstream
The flowing body fluid that delivers necessary nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste away from those same cells.
- Identify the effects that alterations in pH levels and temperature have on physiological processes.
Verified Answer
T-
TSHKK - BogeyJun 29, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Ingesting a large dose of lemon juice, which is acidic, would initially lower the pH of the stomach and potentially the bloodstream if absorbed. The body compensates for this acidosis by increasing respiration to expel CO2, which is part of the carbonic acid equation (H2CO3). This process reduces the amount of carbonic acid, aiming to bring the blood pH back to its normal range around 7.4. However, the option that suggests an increase in carbonic acid (A) reflects a misunderstanding of the body's compensatory mechanisms. The correct physiological response would involve mechanisms to decrease acidity, but given the options provided, A is chosen based on the pH direction (toward 7.2, indicating acidosis) which aligns more closely with the ingestion of an acid, despite the incorrect mechanism described.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the effects that alterations in pH levels and temperature have on physiological processes.