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Notes/Summaries
Various
Question | Answer |
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What is pH? | In Simple terms pH simply refers to the hydrogen ion concentration in the body. Blood pH would be Hydrogen Ion concentration in the blood. |
What happens to the pH when the blood becomes more acidic or less alkaline? If the blood becomes less acidic or more alkaline? | 1) The pH falls 2) the pH rises |
What is an acid? | An acid is defined as any compound, which forms hydrogen ions in solution. Acids are sometimes referred to as "proton donors" |
What is a hydrogen Ion? | The hydrogen ion consists of a single positively charged particle (the proton) that is not orbited by any electrons. The hydrogen ion is, therefore, the smallest ionic particle and is extremely reactive. |
What is a base | Bases: A base is a compound that combines with hydrogen ions in solution. Therefore, bases can be referred to as "proton acceptors". |
What is a buffer? | Buffers: A buffer is a compound that limits the change in hydrogen ion concentration (and so pH) when hydrogen ions are added or removed from the solution.(or in our case, the Blood) Think of it as a sponge. |
What is the importance of hydrogen Ion concentration in the blood? | Hydrogen ion concentration has a widespread effect on the function of the body's enzyme systems. As enzymes have a huge number of functions around the body, an abnormal pH can result in disturbances in a wide range of body systems. |