Question

Obviously, acid-detecting proteins (that bind to protons) within the body are important to maintain homeostasis for a variety of physiological factors. There's a new plant-based toxin named Iocane that binds to and blocks all activity of these acid-detecting proteins. If you were poisoned with Iocane, what kinds of physiological effects would expect to see? Explain why you’d see those effects

Answer 1

The inhibition of the binding of these acid detecting proteins will lead to acidosis. This is increase in pH. When pH is decreased in our body system this is the protein that finds it. PH is the negative log of H+ concentration. So pH decreases as the H+ increases. In respiratory system when the CO2 level is increased in blood the pH decreases by producing more H+ in blood. So as this protein is blocked this situation remians in treated. So respiratory acidosis occurs. As part of metabolism the pH may decrease in blood by the breakdown of H2CO3. So when more pH reaches the blood due to this it leads to metabolic acidosis. As the protein is blocked the pH remains as such and the blood pH remains declined. The certain activities of body that needs a particular pH is affected by the acidosis situation.