Question

1.Acids commonly dissociate to give hydrogen ions insolution (H+), while bases dissociate to give hydroxide ions in solution (OH-). Why is it important to know the difference between acids and bases, in terms of safety? 2.Ionic bonds, covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds all help to hold chemical entities together. Distinguish between these types of bonding and explain which type of bonding is responsible for matching the base pairs in DNA.

Answer 1

Acids and bases are distinguished based on the pH. If PH is between 0 to 7 it is acid, lower pH indicates storng acid and pH=7 refers to neutrality. While PH>7 refers to bases strong base will have higher pH.

strong bases and acids are corrosive. Acids generally damage proteins while bases saponify (e. g., dissolve) both proteins and fats. Damage from acids is generally felt at the outset of exposure. Damage from bases may not become painful for some time. Because bases act on both proteins and fats and are not as immediately painful, exposure to bases can cause more damage.

Ionic bonds are formed due to the tendency of an atom to accept the electrons while the other atom has a tendency to accept electrons. For example : HCl

Covalent bonds are formed due to sharing of electrons. For example : CH4

A hydrogen bond is the electromagnetic attraction between polar molecules in which hydrogen is bound to a larger atom.

A base pair (bp) is a unit consisting of two nucleobases bound to each other by hydrogen bonds. Hence, hydrogen bonding is responsible for matching the bases pairs in DNA.