Someone with severe diabetes obtains energy by the breakdown of fats, which produce large amounts of acidic substances. How would this affect the pH of the blood plasma?

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Hey, everyone, we're told that in alcoholic ketoacidosis, the level of acidic molecules is elevated. These molecules form in the liver from the breakdown of fats and proteins for energy due to low sugar levels or lack of nutrients. Explain how this condition affects the P H of the blood. For A, we have acidic molecules build up in the blood and lower the blood P H B. Acidic molecules build up in the blood and elevate the blood P H C. Increased levels of acidic molecules neutralize the basic blood P H and D increased levels of acidic molecules do not affect the blood P H in any way. So let's go ahead and talk this through. Now, we know that the P H of our blood plasma is 7.4 and we know that our blood P H should be less than 7.8 and it should not reach below 6.8 as going beyond these levels can result in death. In order to answer this question, we need to look at our blood buffer system, which is our bicarbonate ion, which has a formula of H C 03 minus plus our hydro num ion which has a formula of H +30 plus. And this is an equilibrium with our carbonic acid which has a formula of H two C 03 plus our water, which has a formula of H2O. Now, we were told that in alcoholic ketoacidosis, the level of acidic molecules is elevated. So this means that we have more concentration of our hydro num ions. Now, the attempt to neutralize this increase in acidic levels will result in an increase in carbonic acid. And this is the acidic component of our buffer. And as we've learned, the higher the acidity, the lower our P H will be. So looking at our answer choices, it looks like answer choice. A matches how alcoholic ketoacidosis affects the P H of the blood. These acidic molecules will build up in the blood and lower the blood P H. So our final answer here is going to be a now, I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.

Someone with severe diabetes obtains energy by the breakdown of fats, which produce large amounts of acidic substances. How would this affect the pH of the blood plasma?

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Key Concepts

Diabetes and Metabolism

pH and Blood Plasma

Acidosis