Acids, Bases and Buffers Flashcards
what are buffers important in
living systems
what do buffers do
they maintain the pH of the body within normal pH ranges
they ensure enzymes and other cellular processes function optimally
what are examples of inorganic buffers
phosphate and bicarbonate
what is the normal pH for blood
7.4
what is the normal pH range for urine
6
what is the normal pH for gastric fluid
2
what is the normal pH for saliva
6.2-7.2
what is an example of a macromolecule in the body that can act as a buffer
amino acids
are many molecules in biological systems weak acids/bases or strong acids/bases
weak
what can ionic properties be influenced by
hydrogen ion concentration
what are bases
substances that usually combine with hydrogen ions in water
the greater the acid dissociation constant…
…the stronger the acid
what is the henderson-hasselbalch equation
pH = pka + log10 [B-]/[A]
how can you determine pH
using indicators or electrical methods like a pH meter
how can indicators be used to determine pH
they show a difference of colour between their ionised and deionised form. ratio of ionised to deionised indicator is determined by pH and this ratio determines the colour of the indicator. the depth of colour of the indicator can be used to measure pH
what is the ionised form of indicators
[In-]
what is the deionised form of indicators
[HIn]
what are indicators
weak acids that show a difference of colour when ionised which is used to determine the pH of a solution