NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Don Mariano Marcos Ave., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Laoag City

LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO. 5

CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS

CHEMISTRY OF LIFE

Measure of acidity or alkalinity of water-soluble substances. A pH value is a number from

1 to 14, with 7 as the middle point. Values below 7 indicate acidity which increases as the number
decreases, 1 being the most acidic. Values above 7 indicate alkalinity which increases as the
number increases, 14 being the most alkaline. This scale, however, is not a linear scale like a
centimeter or inch scale. It is a logarithmic scale in which two adjacent values increase or decrease
by a factor of 10.
The pH scale is traceable to a set of standard solutions whose pH is established by
international agreement. Primary pH standard values are determined using a concentration cell
with transference, by measuring the potential difference between a hydrogen electrode and a
standard electrode such as the silver chloride electrode. The pH of aqueous solutions can be
measured with a glass electrode and a pH meter, or a color-changing indicator. Measurements of
pH are important in chemistry, agronomy, medicine, water treatment, and many other applications.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this activity, the student will be able to:
1. Describe the pH scale and its relationship to acidity and alkalinity.
2. Describe the important types of organic molecules and their functions.
3. Explain how does our body maintain its normal pH level.

PURPOSE OF THE BODY

To review the acids and bases and the important organic molecules.

PROCEDURES: A.
pH Scale
Complete Figure 2.9 by indicating examples of fluids for each pH level.

1 | P a g e MC 1L: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY

 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Don Mariano Marcos Ave., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Laoag City

PH SCALE

PH FLUID EXAMPLES

Hydrochloric Acid

Gastric Acid, Vinegar, Lemon Juice

Orange Juice, Soda

Tomato Juice, Acid Rain

Black Coffee
Urine, Siliva
Distilled Water

Sea Water

Baking Soda

Milk of Magnesia

Ammonia Solution

Soapy Water

Bleach

Liquid Drain Cleaner

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 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Don Mariano Marcos Ave., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Laoag City

B. Important Organic Molecules and their Functions. Complete the table by indicating the
elements, building blocks, function and examples of the different organic molecules of
the body

IMPORTANT ORGANIC MOLECULES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

MOLECULE ELEMENTS BUILDING FUNTION EXAMPLES

BLOCKS

• Carbon Monosaccharides Carbohydrates are • Fruits

• Hydrogen (simple sugars) one of the three • Milk
• Oxygen macronutrients in • Potatoes
our diet, alongside • Soft drinks
fat and protein, and • Oats
CARBOHYDRA its primary role is to
TES supply energy to the
body. They can be
found in a variety of
forms, such as
sugars and dietary
fibre, as well as in a
variety of foods,
such as whole
grains, fruits, and
vegetables.

3 | P a g e MC 1L: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY

 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Don Mariano Marcos Ave., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Laoag City

• Phosphorus • Glycerol Lipids' principal • Fats

• Nitrogen • Fatty acids biological activities • Oils
• Sulfur, and include energy • Waxes
LIPID other storage, as they may • Certain
elements be broken down to vitamins (such
may be provide significant as A, D, E and
present in amounts of energy. K)
addition to; Lipids also serve as
• Carbon structural elements
• Hydrogen of cell membranes
• Oxygen and as messengers
atoms. and signaling
molecules
throughout the
body.
• Carbon • Amino Protein serves a • Meat
• Hydrogen acid variety of functions • Fish
• Oxygen in the human body. • Eggs
• Nitrogen It aids in the repair • Dairy
• Sulfur. and development of products
PROTEIN your body's tissues, • Seed and Nuts
as well as allowing • Lean beef
metabolic
responses and
coordinating
biological
operations. Proteins
not only provide a
structural basis for
your body, but they
also keep the pH
and fluid balance in
check.

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 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Don Mariano Marcos Ave., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Nursing
Laoag City

• Carbon • Nucleotide All cells and viruses • Deoxyribonucl

• Hydrogen s include nucleic eic acid (DNA)
NUCLEIC • Oxygen acid, which is a type • Ribonucleic
• Nitrogen of macromolecule. acid (RNA)
• Phosphorou The storage and • Messenger
s expression of RNA (mRNA)
genetic information • Transfer RNA
are two of the roles (tRNA)
of nucleic acids. • Ribosomal
The information a RNA (rRNA)
cell needs to create
proteins is encoded
by
deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA).

4. What is the role of organic molecules in maintaining normal pH of our body? (5 pts)
- By increasing glycolytic anaerobic metabolism and -oxidation in metabolic cells, the
generation of organic acids such as lactic acid and ketone bodies is increased. Acid
neutralizing systems, export through the plasma membrane, and acid expulsion all play a
role in keeping the pH of body fluids in check.

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