Final answer:
Acidosis occurs when blood pH falls below 7.35, leading to severe symptoms, and can be fatal if pH drops continuously below 7.0. The condition affects cellular function and the effectiveness of proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
When blood pH falls below 7.35, the condition is known as acidosis. This physiological state occurs because normal arterial blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 to 7.45. Acidosis is characterized by symptoms such as headache, confusion, and fatigue, indicating that the body is struggling to maintain homeostasis. When the pH drops continuously below 7.0, it can become fatal. Acidosis affects the body's cells and proteins, disrupting their normal function and potentially leading to severe health consequences. The blood's buffering systems, primarily the carbonic acid/hydrogen carbonate buffer system, strive to maintain pH within this narrow and crucial range.