🔬
Foundation Sciences · Biochemistry

Acid-Base Biochemistry

⏱️ 45–60 minutes read 📖 Biochemistry

Henderson-Hasselbalch, bicarbonate buffering, anion gap, compensation rules.

📌 Learning Objectives

  • Describe the key principles of acid-base biochemistry.
  • Explain the clinical relevance of acid-base biochemistry.
  • Recognise common conditions linked to acid-base biochemistry in MLA-style scenarios.

📋 Overview

Henderson-Hasselbalch, bicarbonate buffering, anion gap, compensation rules. This topic integrates with pathology, pharmacology and clinical medicine and is frequently tested in UK medical school exams and the MLA.

🔬 Basic Science

Henderson-Hasselbalch, bicarbonate buffering, anion gap, compensation rules. Detailed mechanisms, regulation and molecular interactions underpin both normal physiology and disease.

🏥 Clinical Relevance

DKA, lactic acidosis, salicylate toxicity, RTA classification.

🧪 Investigations

Relevant laboratory tests, imaging or histological examination are used as appropriate to the clinical context.

💊 Management

Management is condition-specific; principles include addressing the underlying biochemical/structural derangement, supportive care and targeted therapy where available.

Revision Resources – expand the sections below for high-yield notes, exam pearls, key facts and further reading.

🎯 MLA High-Yield Notes & Quick Revision ⌄
High-yield topic for the UK MLA — frequently appears in SBA questions linking biochemistry concepts to clinical presentations and management decisions.
Applying biomedical science to clinical practice Diagnosis and investigation Pathophysiology of common conditions
  • Henderson-Hasselbalch, bicarbonate buffering, anion gap, compensation rules.
⭐ Exam Pearls ⌄
⭐ High Yield
pH = 6.1 + log([HCO3]/0.03·PCO2)
Anion gap = Na − (Cl + HCO3); normal 8–12
MUDPILES for HAGMA
Winter's formula for respiratory compensation
💡 Clinical Pearl
: DKA, lactic acidosis, salicylate toxicity, RTA classification.
⚠️ Exam Tip — Common Mistakes
Confusing acid-base biochemistry with related but distinct mechanisms.
Memorising pathways without linking to clinical disease.
🔑 Key Facts ⌄
pH = 6.1 + log([HCO3]/0.03·PCO2)
Anion gap = Na − (Cl + HCO3); normal 8–12
MUDPILES for HAGMA
Winter's formula for respiratory compensation
📚 References ⌄
  1. BMJ Best Practice
  2. Robbins Basic Pathology
  3. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry
  4. Wheater's Functional Histology
  5. NICE guidance where applicable.

Further Resources

Medical Portfolio & Career Development

Build a professional portfolio website for applications, audits, teaching, research and career progression.

CVtoWebsite.com →