Question 1

Which of the following best explains why water is considered a universal solvent in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Water forms hydrogen bonds and has a dipole moment, allowing it to dissolve many polar and ionic substances.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing muscle spasms, dizziness, and an increased heart rate. Laboratory results show a plasma pH of 7.55. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis

Question 3

Which equation represents the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system in human plasma?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{HCO_3^- + H^+ \leftrightarrow H_2CO_3 \leftrightarrow CO_2 + H_2O} $$

Question 4

Which of the following is the most abundant inorganic compound in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water

Question 5

A person is suffering from hypoventilation, leading to a buildup of CO$$_2 in $$the blood. What acid-base disorder is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between a solution and a suspension?

Accepted Answer

A solution is a uniform mixture of solutes and solvent, while a suspension contains large particles that settle out over time.

Question 7

Which of the following ions is most abundant in intracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

K$$^+$$

Question 8

A diabetic patient develops diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following best explains the resulting acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

The pH is below normal because the buffering capacity was exceeded by excess H$$^+$$ from ketone bodies.

Question 9

Which of the following is a property of water that is essential for temperature regulation in the human body?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the phosphate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

It buffers the cytosol of cells using HPO$$_4$$^{2-}$$ and H_2$PO_4$$^-$$.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of severe alkalosis (pH \u003e 7.45) in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Muscle spasms, seizures, and increased heart rate

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why NaCl is classified as an electrolyte?

Accepted Answer

It dissociates into Na$$^+$$ and Cl$$^-$$ ions in water, allowing it to conduct electricity.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of water in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Primary energy source

Question 14

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What acid-base disorder is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of a buffer in a physiological system?

Accepted Answer

A buffer minimizes changes in pH by binding or releasing H$$^+$$ ions.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct order of abundance for the four key elements in the human body, from most to least?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between intracellular and extracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid is cytosol, while extracellular fluid includes interstitial fluid, plasma, and lymph.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common cause of metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled diabetes leading to accumulation of ketone bodies

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why proteins can act as buffers in both intracellular and extracellular fluids?

Accepted Answer

Proteins contain amine and carboxyl groups that can accept or donate H$$^+$$ ions.

Water, Body Fluids, and Acid-Base Balance in Human Biochemistry

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