Final answer:
Acidosis and alkalosis are disruptions in the body's acid-base balance. Acidosis occurs when there is an excess of hydrogen ions, while alkalosis occurs when there are too few hydrogen ions. These conditions can be caused by metabolic or respiratory problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acidosis and alkalosis refer to disruptions in the body's acid-base balance. Acidosis occurs when there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, resulting in a low pH. Alkalosis occurs when there are too few hydrogen ions, causing an elevated pH. These conditions can be caused by metabolic problems related to bicarbonate levels or respiratory problems related to carbonic acid and CO2 levels. Enzymes are sensitive to pH and changes outside the normal range can affect enzymatic reactions.