Question

Deficiency of _______ ion in blood leads to metabolic acidosis.

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Bicarbonate
• D. Chloride

Hint:

Bicarbonate ion is the major blood buffer. Its deficiency causes metabolic acidosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
The bicarbonate buffer system is one of the most important buffer systems of blood. It helps maintain normal blood pH.

Step 1: Understanding metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the blood becomes too acidic due to either accumulation of acids or loss of base.

Step 2: Role of bicarbonate ion.
Bicarbonate ion, \(HCO_3^-\), acts as a base in the blood. It neutralizes excess hydrogen ions. \[ H^+ + HCO_3^- \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \]

Step 3: Effect of bicarbonate deficiency.
When bicarbonate ion level decreases, the buffering capacity of blood decreases. As a result, hydrogen ion concentration increases and blood pH falls.

Step 4: Conclusion.
A fall in bicarbonate ion concentration leads to metabolic acidosis.

Step 5: Final answer.
Therefore, deficiency of bicarbonate ion in blood leads to metabolic acidosis. \[ \boxed{\text{Bicarbonate}} \]