Ch.2-Chemical Basics Of Life

Question 1

Explain Acids, bases and buffers.

Answer 1

Acids are electrolytes that release hydrogen ions in water, such as hydrochloride acid, made up of hydrogen and chloride ions.
Bases are electrolytes that release ions that will bond with hydrogen ions, such as sodium hydroxide, made up of sodium, oxygen and hydrogen ions.
In body fluids, concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxide ions affect chemical reactions that control certain physiological functions like BP and RR.
Buffers are chemicals that resist pH changes. They combine with hydrogen ions when there are too many and contribute hydrogen ions when there are not enough.

Question 2

Define pH

Answer 2

pH is value given to hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
pH of a solution is the level of acidity or basicity.
Ranges from 0-14, with 7 being the ‘neutral’ midpoint(equal no. hydrogen and hydroxide ions).
pH below 7-acidic(more hydrogen than hydroxide ions).
pH above 7-basic/alkaline(more hydroxide than hydrogen ions).

Question 3

Briefly describe enzyme function

Answer 3

Enzymes are proteins that promote chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy requirements(the energy that must be overcome for a chemical reaction to occur). Therefore they make chemical reactions possible and catalyse the reactions that sustain life.
Enzymes belong to a class of substances called catalysts-compounds that accelerate chemical reactions without themselves being permanently changed or consumed.