Question

The buffer salts present in the blood are
a) Potassium
b) Sodium
c)Sodium and potassium
d)Cobalt

Answer 1

Hint: Buffer refers to the state of a substance in which the substance is neither too acidic nor too alkalic. Buffers are used in solutions to help in preventing the ph of the solution. Such buffers are also present in the blood to help maintain its natural ph.

Complete answer:
Buffer salts present in the blood are used to absorb the excess of the acidity or basicity present in the blood making it neutral to its natural ph. The addition of buffers ensures the level of hydrogen ions concentration remains the same. Sodium carbonate is one of the most important buffer components present in the blood. It helps in keeping the ph level of the blood at normal levels. Potassium is also present in the blood buffer salts. Other than them bicarbonate, haemoglobin, plasma proteins and phosphate acts as a buffer to the blood. Bicarbonates help in the buffering of the metabolic acids. Haemoglobin on the other hand helps in the buffering of the carbonate compounds present in the blood. Hydronium and the bicarbonate anion are in equilibrium with the carbonic acid. Carbonic acid can decompose into carbon dioxide gas and water resulting in the equilibrium between carbonic acid and water. Carbon dioxide regulation is important in the blood as it is needed in strenuous conditions. There is also an equilibrium among the hydronium and oxygen which involves the binding ability of haemoglobin. an increase in the hydronium can cause a shift in the amount of oxygen released. This oxygen released is used by the cells and organs of the body.
So, the answer is ‘sodium and potassium’.

Note: Buffer in the blood is very important. If the ph of the blood is increased or decreased then it can lead to the death of the person. Blood is also used in the various chemicals to act as a buffer. The ph of the blood should be maintained at 7.35 and 7.45 levels.