BIO 12 UNIT 1: STUDY NOTES

Acids, Bases, Buffers, and pH:

Acids --> Higher [H+] ions, 0-7 on pH scale, release H+ ions (ex. HCl)
Bases --> Higher [OH-] ions, 7-14 on pH scale, release OH- ions or take up H+ ions (ex. NaOH)
Buffers --> Compound whose job is to maintain a constant pH by accepting or releasing H+ ions
(ex. H2PO4-)
Importance of pH --> A change in pH level in our body disrupts homeostasis and this leads to the denaturing of enzymes, malfunctioning chemical reactions in the body, and eventual death. That is why BUFFERS are so IMPORTANT. (i.e. help maintain blood pH, cell cytoplasm, etc.)

Here is a great diagram of the pH scale with a BIOLOGICAL link: :)