pH balance - HCO3/CO2 buffer in culture media (Sep/16/2005 )

[B][COLOR=blue]I would like somebody to explain me how cells breath in culture media and how HCO3-/CO2 buffering system works in culture medium. Does anyone know exact equation?

Thank you in advance

Mangusta

hi
cells breath due to the dissolved O2 in the solution (PO2 is sufficent in medium for O2 to get the cells).
Buffering system is :

H2O + CO2 <--> H2CO3 <----combination with H2O / liberation of H2O--> H3O+ + HCO3-

Excess H3O+ entering the medium reacts with the HCO3- and excess OH- reacts with carbonic acid.