MCAT Question of the Day: The Bicarbonate Buffer System

In this MCAT Question of the Day, we will be taking a look at the Bicarbonate Buffer System. For more MCAT tips and Questions of the Day:
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If you have any questions, be sure to comment below! I personally respond. :)

[@gabzz72]

Thanks so much. I’ve watched a few videos and this is the one that explains this whole bicarbonate thing properly

[@mcatselfprep9585]

Sure thing! Glad you liked it! :)

[@FPSMuslims]

Keep it up man these are helpful and quick to the point!

[@mcatselfprep9585]

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying them!

[@brena.nicole]

these are great!

[@mcatselfprep9585]

I'm glad they've helped you, Brena!

[@yourfuturedocburenbeiya]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@mcatselfprep9585]

You're welcome Farida, and good luck studying!

[@patrickmerkel455]

From the answer choices given, wouldn't A be the only answer where both molecules exist in the human body? Leading to a selection of A without having to do any other reasoning.

[@mcatselfprep9585]

Hi Patrick, great question! H2 and CO are all present in the human body (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_the_human_body), although not in as large of amounts as H2O and CO2. Best of luck studying!

[@thefenerbahcesk4156]

I think the MCAT loves asking about this bicarbonate buffer system for some reason

[@mcatselfprep9585]

You're very right here! So many different concepts can be tested using the bicarbonate buffer system, so it's definitely worth knowing! :)

[@siobhanquinn4635]

I’m wondering about the math problems we have to do in chemistry but we can’t use a calculator right ?

[@mcatselfprep9585]

Right, on the MCAT nobody has access to a calculator. That's where mental math and quick written out calculations can become so important! I have High Speed Math Mastery Course that can help with this: mcatselfprep.com/course/andrews-high-speed-math-mastery-course/

[@derrickbecker9856]

What is carbonic anhydrase? Is that in the ocean too in regards to the bicarbonate ? Its a protein right

[@aqualife88]

it is an enzyme, anything ending with -ase are enzymes....also all enzymes are proteins, but not all proteins are enzymes.

[@abbiemart2]

I don’t know how quick you will respond but I will try. 😂
Could you explain the bicarbonate system works in blood plasma?

[@gt4941]

If it made CO we would die of carbon monoxide poisoning 😅

[@Joeythegoats]

Mcat is this easy?

[@mcatselfprep9585]

The MCAT is definitely not easy, since it covers so many topics and requires lots of critical reasoning and analysis. Breaking down problems like this and tutoring with MCAT Self Prep can make it feel easier!