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    1. pH plays an important role in maintaining balance in biological systems. An optimal pH level is required for proteins and other biomolecules to function properly. 2. The observed pH in a buffer preparation can differ from the calculated pH because environmental conditions like temperature are ignored in calculations. 3. Good characteristics for a buffer are high buffering capacity at the desired pH, water solubility, minimal salt effects, chemical stability, no light absorption, and easy preparation and use.

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    1. pH plays an important role in maintaining balance in biological systems. An optimal pH level is required for proteins and other biomolecules to function properly. 2. The observed pH in a buffer preparation can differ from the calculated pH because environmental conditions like temperature are ignored in calculations. 3. Good characteristics for a buffer are high buffering capacity at the desired pH, water solubility, minimal salt effects, chemical stability, no light absorption, and easy preparation and use.

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    1. pH plays an important role in maintaining balance in biological systems. An optimal pH level is required for proteins and other biomolecules to function properly. 2. The observed pH in a buffer preparation can differ from the calculated pH because environmental conditions like temperature are ignored in calculations. 3. Good characteristics for a buffer are high buffering capacity at the desired pH, water solubility, minimal salt effects, chemical stability, no light absorption, and easy preparation and use.

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    49 views2 pages

    Ex 1

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    1. pH plays an important role in maintaining balance in biological systems. An optimal pH level is required for proteins and other biomolecules to function properly. 2. The observed pH in a buffer preparation can differ from the calculated pH because environmental conditions like temperature are ignored in calculations. 3. Good characteristics for a buffer are high buffering capacity at the desired pH, water solubility, minimal salt effects, chemical stability, no light absorption, and easy preparation and use.

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    of 2

    ABDURAHMAN, Shena S.

    AGTARAP, Danica M.

    CHEM 41: FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY


    Activity 1: Preparation of Buffers Data Sheet

    QUESTIONS:
    1. What is the biological significance of pH? How does it affect biological activities and
    functions?
    pH plays an important role in maintaining balance and equilibrium of biochemical and
    physiological systems in the body. Biological systems depend on pH for them to function
    properly and efficiently. They need to work in an environment with a certain pH level. An
    example is protein which gets denatured when pH gets too high causing it to not function
    properly.

    2. In buffer preparation, why is the observed pH different from the calculated pH?
    Observed pH can be different from calculated pH because environmental conditions are ignored
    when calculating for pH. The environment might be different causing the observed pH to be
    different from the calculated pH. An example could be the temperature. The standard pKa
    values are usually calculated in standard lab temperatures which are around 25 C. During the
    experiment, laboratories may vary in temperature causing the pH to change.

    3. What are the characteristics of a good buffer?


    Characteristics of a good buffer has the following characteristics:
    ● high buffering capacity at the desired pH
    ● water soluble
    ● minimal salt effect
    ● chemical stability
    ● No absorption of light
    ● Easy to prepare and use

    4. What parameter/s should be noted in choosing a buffer?


    The pH of the buffer should be near the desired pH and it’s capacity should fall within one unit
    above or below the desired pH. If the pH is expected to drop during a procedure, a buffer with a
    slightly lower pKa than the midpoint pH should be chosen. Similarly, if the pH is expected to
    rise, a buffer with a slightly higher pKa than the midpoint pH should be chosen. The ionic
    strength of the buffer should also be considered and should only be in the range of 0.05-05 M
    only.

    5. In general, how long can buffers be stored?


    Fresh, unopened buffers usually have a shelf life of 2 years while opened buffers only have a
    shelf life of 3-6 months. This change in shelf life in opened buffers is caused by the carbon
    dioxide in the air which changes a buffer’s pH upon contact.
    6. State the Henderson-Hasselbach equation for the weak acid HS and its salt NaA. Do the
    same for the weak base and its salt MCl.

    pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HS])
    pOH = pKb + log([M+]/[B])

    7. What is buffer capacity?


    Buffer capacity is the measure of efficiency of the buffer in resisting changes in pH. It is the
    number of moles needed to change the pH by one. Also, buffer capacity generally depends on
    the concentration of the buffer solution; buffers with higher concentrations offer higher buffering
    capacity.

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