Question

Based on the addition of NaOH to water, describe why buffers are important in biological systems?

Answer 1

One of the most important applications of acids and bases in chemistry and biology is that of buffers. A buffer solution resists rapid changes in pH when acids and bases are added to it. Every living cell contains natural buffer systems to maintain the constant pH needed for proper cell function.
Many consumer products are also buffered to safeguard their activity.



During exercise, the muscles use up oxygen as they convert chemical energy in glucose to mechanical energy. This O2 comes from hemoglobin in the blood. CO2 and H+ are produced during the breakdown of glucose, and are removed from the muscle via the blood. The production and removal of CO2 and H+, together with the use and transport of O2, cause chemical changes in the blood. These chemical changes, unless offset by other physiological functions, cause the pH of the blood to drop. If the pH of the body gets too low (below 7.4), a condition known as acidosis results. This can be very serious, because many of the chemical reactions that occur in the body, especially those involving proteins, are pH-dependent. Ideally, the pH of the blood should be maintained at 7.4. If the pH drops below 6.8 or rises above 7.8, death may occur. Fortunately, we have buffers in the blood to protect against large changes in pH.