Buffer System In Buffer

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A buffer is a weak substance that minimizes changes in the pH of a solution with the addition of mall quantities of acid or base. Buffers typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base. Buffers play a critical role in biological processes. Because a buffer is a weak acid, it is only partially ionized and in a state of equilibrium. When an acid is added to a buffer, the buffer will minimize the decrease in pH by neutralizing the acid; the conjugate base will react with the proton released by the acid and reform the original weak acid. If a base is added the hydroxide ion from the base will react with the weak acid component of the buffer and it will form the conjugate base and release protons; this will minimize the increase in pH1. This way of minimizing the pH works through Le Châtelier 's principle2. Bufffers play an important role in many biological processes as the majority of them are affected by pH. The pH fluids residing inside and out of cells (intracellular and extracellular) is maintained through buffer systems One example of buffer that plays an important role as a buffer in maintaining the pH of blood is bicarbonate. The …show more content…

Hemoglobin is located within red blood cells and can act as a buffer, including the buffering of carbonic acid3. Hemoglobin is able to act as a buffer because it is able to bind to both protons and O2, but when it binds to one it releases the other. Hemoglobin binds to access hydrogen ions released by muscle tissues during exercise, this can help maintain the pH. At the same time O2 is released4. Bone cells are also known to contain buffers that are formed through buffering acid loads. In buffering acid loads bones take in protons; this occurs with the bone mineral dissolving and the surface exchange of potassium and sodium on the surface. This process causes the release of

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