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 blood stream. If the carbonic acid didn't not form then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
B) There would be an decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the blood stream. If the carbonic acid didn't not form then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
C) There would be an increase in the amount of carbonic acid within the blood stream. If the carbonic acid didn't not form then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.
D) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the blood stream. If the carbonic acid didn't not form then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.2.
E) There would be a decrease in the amount of carbonic acid within the blood stream. If the carbonic acid didn't not form then the pH of the individual's blood could shift toward 7.8.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lemon juice is acidic so it contains large amounts H⁺. When H⁺enters the bloodstream it combines with HCO₃- to form H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid). The carbonic acid prevents the blood pH from shifting toward a more acidic or basic range. If it didn't form, in this case the individual's blood would become more acidic and shift toward 7.2.

Which of the Following Reactions Is Most Likely to Occur