how would you account for the buffering action of blood serum

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Robert · Accepted Answer

Buffering action of blood serum 
Buffer means; a solution which consists of such substance (s) that can minimize pH 
changes if acid or base is added in it. Buffer solutions are not only prepared in lab, but can be 
found in nature as well. For instance; blood serum is a classical model of buffer.  
The buffering action of blood serum can be understood via the example of human body 
which contains one out of the most complex and effective buffer systems.  There could be 
observed three main buffer systems in humans: bicarbonate buffer system, protein buffer system, 
and phosphate buffer system (Obin, 1956). 
1. Bicarbonate buffer system 
Bicarbonate buffer system (H2CO3/HCO3
-
) can be termed most important in context of 
maintenance of pH of extracellular fluids, because  it continuously removes CO2 and H
+
 from 
blood (and other tissues). This system contains more bicarbonate (HCO3
-
) in comparison to 
carbonic acid (H2CO3) so that, acidity of blood could be compensated. In fact, because of normal 
metabolism, more acid (than base) is generated in our body that could be neutralized via it 
(Ellison et al., 1958). 
Mechanism of Reaction  
The reaction mechanism of Bicarbonate buffer system can be defined as follows:

how would you account for the buffering action of blood serum

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