How does CO2 affect pH? (5 Minutes!)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a common gas that is constantly produced by our cells. This video will explain how this byproduct can be converted into other intermediates, including bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+) with the help of our friendly enzyme, carbonic anhydrase! From there, we will discuss how the pH shifts based on carbon dioxide amount. #nursing #physiology #acidity #acidsandbases #carbondioxide #CO2 #bicarbonate #nursingeducation

[@ZoeNavales]

Keep videos like this coming!!

[@organizedbiology]

I’ll do my best! 🤪 any specific ones you are looking for??

[@ZoeNavales]

@@organizedbiology maybe you can do biochemistry, microbiology and parasitology? Hahaha i hope it's not too much✌️

[@organizedbiology]

Ha-I have to say, my training is mostly in the sphere of Anatomy and Physiology and general Biology, but I can do my best to learn and accommodate if that’s a need! 😅

[@blueskies7538]

I think I finally understand!! So when CO2 goes into the blood and binds with H2O via the enzyme, it forms carbonic acid which is the same thing as the two molecules separated but just expressed differently? And then is there an enzyme that makes the H+ and HCO3- split apart? Thank you!

[@organizedbiology]

Good question - the H2CO3 that is formed is an acid (carbonic acid), and that will naturally dissolve into H+ and HCO3- - no enzyme needed! You could say it’s the ‘same molecule just expressed differently’ in the same way as NaCl is the same molecule, expressed differently when it’s dissolved (Na+ and Cl-)!

[@Topaz2022]

If this were the case plant life would not exist.

[@organizedbiology]

Plants make CO2, too! They don’t need us 😅