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explain how organisms that require a neutral environment survive and function de

ID: 90045 • Letter: E

Question

explain how organisms that require a neutral environment survive and function despite metabolic activities that tend to shift ph toward either acidic or basic ends of the ph scale? pH Your book defines pH as the "measure of the relative acidity of a solution, ranging in value from o (most acidic) to 14 (most basic). pH stands for potential hydrogen and refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions" (G-12) Living organisms (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria) require careful control of their internal pH, since they are sensitive to even small changes in pH. Homeostasis is the maintenance, by living organisms, of stable surroundings; this includes pH, as well as temperature, osmolarity, and a number of other environmental variables. 1. Explain how organisms that require a neutral environment survive and function despite metabolic activities that tend to shift pH toward either acidic or basic ends of the pH scale? Be specific!

Explanation / Answer

Homeostasis is the process of maintaining a constant state.

Most metabolic reactions are compartmentalised in the body and occur in specfic environments, so that it cannot affect other parts of body.

The product formed will not shift the pH, pH is shifted only near optimum reaction rate.

For example, Stomach provides acidic environment and duodenum provides basic environment. Blood is a buffer solution used in the body, it maintain the pH in whole body

Buffers maintains pH by getting rid of hydrogen ions. If extra hydrogen ions is present in body fluids then buffers bind with the hydrogen concentration which minimizes the changes in pH. The acidity of a buffer is immediate however restricted in ability to preserve or restore regular acid-base balance. The pH of blood plasma is around about 7.3-7.4. The pH of urine is 7 which might be neutral however it may be more however certain elements can make the pH of urine pass up or down.