In what way does hemoglobin act as a buffer against changes in blood pH?
A)Subsequent binding of oxygen is drastically reduced after the first one is bound.
B)Hemoglobin binds some of the excess protons released by carbonic acid.
C)Hemoglobin produces protons or hydroxide ions as needed to alter the blood pH.
D)Hemoglobin removes excess protons from the red blood cells so that they can be excreted through the kidneys.
E)All of the above answers apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin acts as a buffer against changes in blood pH by binding with excess protons released by carbonic acid. When carbon dioxide enters the blood, it combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. Hemoglobin binds some of the excess hydrogen ions, preventing them from driving down the blood pH. Hemoglobin also regulates oxygen binding in response to changes in pH, but this is not directly related to its buffering function. Hemoglobin does not produce protons or hydroxide ions and does not remove excess protons from red blood cells to be excreted by the kidneys.

In What Way Does Hemoglobin Act as a Buffer Against