Which of the following reactions is most likely to occur if an individual was to ingest a large dose of lemon juice?
A) There would be an increase in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
B) There would be an increase in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.
C) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
D) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the bloodstream. If the carbonic acid did not form, then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ingesting a large dose of lemon juice, which is acidic, would initially lower the pH of the stomach and potentially the bloodstream if absorbed. The body compensates for this acidosis by increasing respiration to expel CO2, which is part of the carbonic acid equation (H2CO3). This process reduces the amount of carbonic acid, aiming to bring the blood pH back to its normal range around 7.4. However, the option that suggests an increase in carbonic acid (A) reflects a misunderstanding of the body's compensatory mechanisms. The correct physiological response would involve mechanisms to decrease acidity, but given the options provided, A is chosen based on the pH direction (toward 7.2, indicating acidosis) which aligns more closely with the ingestion of an acid, despite the incorrect mechanism described.

Which of the Following Reactions Is Most Likely to Occur