Biological Buffers

Lena Al-Gharras
422205697
Advisor : Dr. Shimaa
 Objectives

§ Define buffer.
§ Mention the different biological buffers.
§ Outline their role in maintaining the acid-base balance.
Introduction
 What is a buffer ?

It is the ability to resist a change in pH following

addition of strong acid or base.
 Types of biological buffers

Carbonate Phosphate Protein buffer

buffer system buffer system system
 Carbonate buffer system

• In this system, CO2 combines with H2O to form carbonic

acid (H2CO3), which in turn rapidly dissociates to form
H+ and HCO3-

• Its major components of the buffer can be

independently regulated by the lungs (CO2) or Kidneys
(HCO3-)
Carbonate buffer system
 Phosphate buffer system

• It consists of dihydrogen phosphate ions as the

hydrogen ion donor ( acid ) and monohydrogen
phosphate ion as the ion acceptor ( base ) .
 Phosphate buffer system

• If extra hydrogen ions enter the cellular fluid, they are

neutralized by the hydrogen phosphate ion.

• If additional hydroxide ions enter the cellular fluid, they

are neutralized by the dihydrogen phosphate ion.
 Protein buffer system

Proteins contain carboxylic group (-COO- ), which can act

as proton acceptor and amino group (- NH3+ ) which can
donate protons.
 Protein buffer system

If acid is added, H3O+ can be neutralized by the – COO- groups

If base is added, it can be neutralized by the – NH3+ groups

POP QUIZ!
Which answer most accurately defines a
buffer system in chemistry?

01 03
A system that resists
A system that is acidic and changes in pH when an
has a low pH acid or base is added

A naturally occurring solution

02
A system that is capable of drastic pH
changes when only a base is added to it 04 that is neutral no matter
how much acid or base is
added to it
 Summary
• A buffer resists a change in pH

• The carbonate buffer system is important in regulating blood

plasma pH.

• The phosphate system regulates intracellular fluid pH.

• The protein buffer system regulates both intracellular fluid and

blood plasma pH.

• The main purpose of all these buffers is to maintain proper pH

within the body system so that all biochemical process can
take place.
RESOURCES

Lehninger principles of biochemistry 8th edition

by David L. Nelson & Michael M. Cox, CHAPTER 2,
Section 2.3
Thank You !
Any questions?