Maintaining Cellular Conditions: pH and Buffers
Author(s): Lou Gross1, Monica Beals1, Susan Harrell1
University of Tennessee Knoxville
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Summary:
This module introduces the chemical reactions related to pH in the context of understanding how acidity can affect both the structure and chemical reactivity of cellular molecules. It is intended for an introductory biology audience.
Contents:
Description
Student Introduction: Water is the universal solvent inside all cells and extracellular fluids. Water molecules (H2O) can dissociate into hydroxide ions (OH-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Other molecules or parts of molecules have the ability to either give up hydrogen ions, acids, or accept hydrogen ions, bases. Consequently, we can characterize any aqueous solution by the concentration of positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged hydroxide ions.
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
- Gross, L., Beals, M., Harrell, S. (2019). Maintaining Cellular Conditions: pH and Buffers. Quantitative Biology at Community Colleges, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/Q4JM9X