Final answer:
Excess CO₂ and low pH have similar effects because they both increase H+ concentration, leading to a more acidic environment. The CO₂/HCO₃ buffer system in the body helps regulate pH by adjusting CO₂ levels through respiration, maintaining pH balance despite changes in CO₂ or HCO₃ concentrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of excess CO₂ are similar to the effects of low pH because both conditions increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which leads to a decrease in pH, indicating a more acidic environment. This is explained by the chemical reactions in the CO₂/HCO₃ buffer system, where the addition of CO₂ or a strong acid to the system results in a decrease of bicarbonate (HCO₃) as it is converted to carbon dioxide (CO₂). Conversely, when a strong base is added, hydroxide ions (OH-) react with CO₂ to form more HCO₃, which also affects pH levels. The pH of the blood and other bodily fluids is regulated through the release of CO₂ in the lungs, with minor adjustments in breathing helping to maintain a stable pH level. The body's buffering systems, such as the bicarbonate buffer system, serve to minimize the fluctuations in pH despite changes in CO₂ levels.