Buffers: What are the Importance of Buffers in Biological system

A buffer is an aqueous solution made up of a weak acid and its salt (acid buffer) or a weak base and its salt (base buffer) (basic buffer). 

When a tiny amount of strong acid or base is given to it, its pH varies very little, and it is thus used to keep a solution’s pH stable. 

Buffer solutions are utilised in a variety of chemical processes. In nature, a buffer solution can be found in the form of blood. 

The pH of human blood is 7.4 in its normal state. Many people suffer from extreme anxiety as well as alkalosis. 

Alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is abnormally high. Acidosis is a condition in which the pH of the blood is greater than 7.4.

Application of Buffer on living cell

To stay alive, living cells require consistent circumstances. Individual living cells that are not part of a bigger organism rely on their surroundings for a steady supply of nutrients, oxygen, and salt balance. 

Their surroundings must also maintain a near-constant temperature and pH level. 

If any of these physical and chemical parameters change, the living conditions may shift above or below the optimum levels required for existence.

 The organisms may not be able to develop or reproduce in these conditions. The organism’s life may be jeopardised if the conditions are further modified.

Buffer in biological systems.

• The presence of a weak acid and associated salt (for example, acetic acid and sodium acetate) in the solution provides protection by maintaining equilibrium through ion transfer and neutralisation.

• A mixture of two acid salts can provide the same effect; popular buffering agents include phosphates, carbonates, and ammonium salts.

• The ability of most intact biological entities to prevent substantial changes in pH is an important trait.

• Excessive pH variations are not tolerated by the cytoplasmic fluid, which contains dissolved proteins, organic substrates, and inorganic salts.

• The blood plasma is a highly effective buffer solution that is almost perfectly engineered to maintain a pH range of 7.2 to 7.3 in the blood.

• The circulating blood of animals contains a complex and important buffer system. CO3–HCO3–: Na2HPO4; oxygenated and deoxygenated forms of haemoglobin; and plasma proteins are the components of this system.
• To maintain their original strength, many commercial goods are roughly buffered.

Conclusion

A buffer is an aqueous solution made up of a weak acid and its salt (acid buffer) or a weak base and its salt (base buffer) (basic buffer). 

When a tiny amount of strong acid or base is given to it, its pH varies very little, and it is thus used to keep a solution’s pH stable. 

Buffer solutions are utilised in a variety of chemical processes. In nature, a buffer solution can be found in the form of blood. 

The pH of human blood is 7.4 in its normal state. Many people suffer from extreme anxiety as well as alkalosis. 

Alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is abnormally high. Acidosis is a condition in which the pH of the blood is greater than 7.4.