Question

acids and bases
the degree of acidity or alkalinity (basic) is important in organisms. the body must constantly maintain a near neutral ph (7) in the blood and body tissues. to do this, the body produces buffers that can neutralize acids. acidic and basic conditions in the body occur due to different metabolic (chemical) reactions taking place throughout the body.

1. what does alkalinity mean?
2. what ph must organisms maintain?
3. what characteristic of life would maintaining this balance be?
4. what chemicals does the body produce to keep neutral ph?
5. buffers ____________ acids in the body.
6. acidic and basic conditions occur due to ____________ reactions in the body.

water is one of the most important molecules in the body. cells are made mostly of water and water is required for almost every metabolic reaction in the body. the force of attraction between water molecules is so strong that the oxygen atom of one molecule can actually remove the hydrogen from other water molecules. this reaction is known as dissociation, and it takes place in our cells. water (h₂o) dissociates into h⁺ and oh⁻ ions. a charged atom or molecule is called an ion. the oh⁻ ion is called the hydroxide ion, while the h⁺ ion is called the hydrogen ion. free h⁺ ions can react with another water molecule to form the h₃o⁺ or hydronium ion. the human body requires a neutral ph for many reasons. one reason cells like a neutral ph is for proteins. basic or acidic solutions denature proteins (change their shape) so they no longer work.
dissociation of water
hydrogen (yellow)
oxygen (red)

Explanation:

1. Alkalinity refers to the state of being basic, having a higher concentration of hydroxide (OH⁻) ions.
2. Organisms must maintain a near - neutral pH of 7 in the blood and body tissues.
3. Maintaining this balance is homeostasis, the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.
4. The body produces buffers to keep a neutral pH.
5. Buffers neutralize acids in the body.
6. Acidic and basic conditions occur due to metabolic (chemical) reactions in the body.

Answer:

1. The state of being basic, high OH⁻ concentration.
2. Near - neutral pH (7).
3. Homeostasis.
4. Buffers.
5. neutralize
6. metabolic (chemical)