Human Biology: Grade

12
A6 – Biological pH and buffer systems
A7 – Significant carbohydrates in biological systems
Acids and Bases

 An acid adds H+
ions to any water
solution.

 A base removed H+
(which adds OH-
ions to the
solution).
The pH scale

 Measures the
acidity or alkalinity
of a solution.
 Neutral solutions –
near 7 on the
scale.
 Acidic solutions –
lower readings on
the scale.
 Alkaline solutions –
higher readings on
the scale.
pH balance must be maintained in the
body
 Normal metabolic
activities increase
the acidity of blood.
(Discussion).
 This may result in
acidosis (a deadly
condition if left
untreated).
Biological buffer systems

 Usually consists of two chemicals working together to maintain a

constant pH (homeostasis).
 The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system maintains the pH of blood
(at neutral).
Significant Biological Carbohydrates

 Are the main

energy source in
the body.
 Comprised of C,
H and O.
 May be
monosaccharides
, disaccharides,
oligosaccharides
or
polysaccharides.
Significant Biological Carbohydrates
Polysaccharides