Dentistry: Buffer, pH, and Acid-Base Balance

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the role of a buffer solution in the body?

Maintaining the salt levels in the blood.

Enhancing the immune system.

Resisting changes in pH. (correct)

Regulating the body temperature.

How does the pH of blood affect a person's health?

It has no impact on health.

A variation of 0.2 units can lead to serious illness. (correct)

Any pH change will result in increased energy levels.

Blood pH only affects emotional well-being.

Which components make up a buffer solution?

Strong acid and a weak base.

Weak acid and a salt of this acid. (correct)

Weak acid and a strong base.

Strong acid and a salt of this acid.

Why are buffer solutions crucial for living organisms?

To maintain the appropriate pH levels for cellular fluids. Signup and view all the answers

How do body cells ensure that pH values are maintained at optimal levels?

By deploying series of solutions called 'buffers'. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a small amount of a strong acid or base is added to normal water (non-buffered solution)?

The pH changes significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reaction between an acid and HPO4^-2 according to the given equation?

HPO4^-2 + H3O+ ↔ H2PO4- + H2O Signup and view all the answers

What is the reaction between a base and H2PO4- according to the given equation?

H2PO4- + OH- ↔ HPO4^-2 + H2O Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between [HCO3-] and [H2CO3] when the blood is acidic?

[HCO3-] / [H2CO3] < 20:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range where death can occur?

pH < 6.8 or pH > 7.8 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of maintaining proper blood pH levels?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a solution?

A homogeneous mixture created by dissolving one or more solutes in a solvent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about protein buffers is correct?

Proteins can soak up H+ ions to restore the original pH after an influx of acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hemoglobin in buffering the blood system?

It buffers the blood system by controlling the pH of the blood using its proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important pH buffer system in the blood?

The carbonic acid-bicarbonate ion system. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to control the pH of the blood?

To prevent the body from being overwhelmed, leading to serious diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used for?

To calculate the pH of buffer solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of small changes in the concentration of acetate or acetic acid on the pH of a buffer solution?

It will hardly change the pH. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following is the primary factor that contributes to blood pH imbalance?

Oxygen-carbon dioxide intake and dietary habits Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH range of blood according to the passage?

7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between enzyme function and pH according to the figure?

Enzyme function is highly sensitive to changes in pH Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the definition of acidosis according to the passage?

The blood has too much acid (or too little base), resulting in a decrease in blood pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of hydrogen ion concentration on the body according to the passage?

Hydrogen ion concentration affects the degree of ionization of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hydrogen Ion Concentration and Enzyme Function

Hydrogen ion concentration has a widespread effect on the body's enzyme systems.
The hydrogen ion is highly reactive and combines with bases or negatively charged ions at very low concentrations.
Proteins contain many negatively charged and basic groups within their structure, and a change in pH will alter the degree of ionization of a protein, affecting its functioning.

Acid-Base Balance

Blood is normally slightly basic, alkaline, with a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.
The body maintains the pH of blood close to 7.40 to function properly.
Acidosis: the blood has too much acid (or too little base), resulting in a decrease in blood pH.
Alkalosis: the blood has too much base (or too little acid), resulting in an increase in blood pH.

Factors Contributing to Blood pH Imbalance

Two factors contribute to blood pH imbalance: intake, oxygen-carbon dioxide, and dietary habits; and production, elimination, and stress.

pH Levels and Health

pH levels between 7.35 and 7.45 promote healthy cholesterol levels, healthy blood sugar balance, proper fat metabolism, normal energy balance, disease resistance, and the body's ability to flush toxins.
Death occurs if blood pH is < 6.8 or > 7.8.

Solutions and Concentration

A solution is a homogeneous mixture created by dissolving one or more solutes in a solvent.
The chemical present in a smaller amount is the solute, which is soluble in the solvent (the chemical present in a larger amount).
Water is a common solvent, forming aqueous solutions, and is one of the best solvents for dissolving ionic substances.

Buffer Solutions and Acid-Base Balance

A buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and a salt of this acid or a weak base and a salt of this base.
Buffer solutions resist changes in pH when a small amount of a strong acid or base is added.
Buffer solutions are important in living things because they maintain the acid-base balance in the blood.

Buffer Solutions in the Body

Protein buffers are the most abundant in the body, and they resist changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Haemoglobin buffers the blood system using the proteins present, controlling the pH of the blood.
The most important pH buffer system in the blood involves carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions.

pH Buffer System and Health

The blood's acid-base balance is controlled by the body because even minor deviations from the normal range can severely affect the brain, arteries, the heart, muscles, and many organs.
Deviations from the normal pH range can contribute to serious disease, such as cancer.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the concept of buffer, pH, and acid-base balance in dentistry. Learn how small amounts of strong acids or bases can significantly change the pH of a solution. Understand the importance of maintaining specific pH levels in chemical reactions within the body, such as blood functioning at pH 7.4.