Biochemistry Pt. III - pH Scale

pH Scale

runs from 0-14 and measures the percent of hydrogen ions in a substance via acidity

Acidic pH

measures below 7.0; lower number = more acidic

Neutral pH

measures at 7.0 (i.e. water)

Basic pH

measures above 7.0; higher number = more alkaline

Buffers

maintain homeostasis by minimizing changes in pH

Human Body’s Normal pH

7.4; increases/decreases from this number will dismantle enzymes, weaken nerve and muscle activity, and collapse metabolic activity

Hemoglobin

one of the most important buffering agents; acts as a buffer by taking on or releasing an extra proton

Carbonic Acid (H2CO3) and Bicarbonate Ion (HCO3-)

buffer in the bloodstream that responds to changes in pH in the blood:

CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3-

neutral base weak acid weak base

Acid precipitation

acidic rain, snow, or fog that has a pH less than 5.6; mostly produced by burning fossil fuels (and the release of CO2)