Which of the following substances is responsible for donating H+ ions to act as a buffer when blood pH rises?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Carbonic acid
C. Oxygen
D. Carbon monoxide
A buffer is a solution that can resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. In the human body, blood is an important buffer that helps maintain a stable pH of about 7.4. One of the main components of the blood buffer system is the bicarbonate buffer, which involves the equilibrium between carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonic acid (H2CO3), and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). When blood pH rises, meaning it becomes more basic, the bicarbonate buffer can donate H+ ions to lower the pH and restore the balance. The substance that donates H+ ions in this case is carbonic acid, which dissociates into H+ and HCO3-. Therefore,
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.