This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Biochemistry
[{'content': 'In order to keep blood pH at 7.4, the HCO3: H2CO3 ratio should be: \nSelect and explain. \nA. 2:01, B. 5:01, C. 10:01, D. 20:01', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: D \nExplanation: lt is evident that at a blood pH 7.4, the ratio\xa0of bicarbonate\xa0to\xa0carbonic\xa0acid is 20:1. Thus,\xa0the\xa0bicarbonate concentration is\xa0much\xa0higher\xa0(20 times) than carbonic acid in the blood. This\xa0is referred to as alkali reserve and is responsible\xa0for the effective buffering of\xa0H+ ions, generated\xa0in\xa0 the\xa0 body.\xa0In\xa0normal\xa0circumstances, the\xa0concentration of bicarbonate and carbonic acid\xa0determines the\xa0pH\xa0of\xa0blood.\xa0Further, the\xa0bicarbonate buffer system serves as an index to\xa0understand the\xa0disturbances in\xa0the\xa0acid-base\xa0balance of the body.\nSatyanarayana, 3rd Edition, Pg\xa0No. 476', 'role': 'assistant'}]