GENERAL BIOLOGY 1

OTHER
INORGNIC
COMPOUNDS
Department of Biochemistry

Presented by
Jacey Bliz D. Penalosa
Penelope Mheyl M. Bagayo
Inorganic Compounds
• Compounds without carbons, with exceptions to carbon
dioxide and carbon monoxide.

MAIN IDEA:
• Cells contain and use inorganic compounds that are
essential for homeostasis and other functions

• Acids
• Bases
• Salts
• Electrolytes
 Ionization
Ionization is spontaneous ion formation through losing or gaining electrons

• Cation (positively charged)

• Anion (negatively charged)

The pH of a solution is a measure of its acidity, neutral, or it is basic.

• at pH 7.0, a solution is neutral

• at lower pH (1-6), a solution is acidic

• at higher pH (8-14), a solution is basic

 Acids
a substance in favor of hydrogen ( H+) ions
and release it into solutions
Causes solutions to become more acidic
• Acid release H+
• pH of 1-6
• Have sour taste and turn litmus paper
to red
Bases
a substance in favor of hydroxide ( OH-) ions
and release it into solutions
These hydroxide ions contribute to the basic
character of the solution.
• Bases accept H+ or releases hydroxide ions
OH -
- Plays a role in neutralizing acids.
• Have bitter taste and slippery; and turn
litmus paper to blue
 Salts
• A compound that forms from the combination of an
acid and a base resulting into neutralization.
Neutral pH of cell and blood
• The pH of the cell stays fairly neutral
between 6.5 to 7.5
• in the blood the normal pH is between
7.35 to 7.45.
• Acidosis happen when the blood pH drops
below 7.35
• Alkalosis happen when the blood pH is
higher than 7.45.
 BIOLOGICAL BUFFERS
• It is a mixture of weak acid and its corresponding base
that controls the pH of a given substance.
• A buffer solution resists changes in pH when small
amounts of acid or base are added.
• In the human blood key buffers is the acid base pair of
carbonic acid and bicarbonate.
 CARBONIC ACID
• is form of carbon dioxide and water that
dissociates in water to release hydrogen
ions.

BICARBONATE
• If there are other sources added then
bicarbonate acts as a base to remove excess of
hydrogen ion forming carbonic acid
 The Electrolytes
• Are compound that can be acid, base, or salt.
• Either be cations or anions
• Example of electrolyte in the body is sodium chloride
• Sodium and potassium ions are important
• Electrolytes affect the amount of water and acidity of
blood in the body.
• Electrolytes are lost in the sweat during heavy
exercise or excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
Electrolytes
 Important Electrolytes
Electrolytes Function

Sodium Helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports muscle and nerve function.

Potassium Helps maintain fluid balance in cells, supports muscle function, and is involved in nerve impulses.

Chloride Helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports digestion.

Calcium Supports strong bones and teeth, important for muscle function, and involved in blood clotting.

Magnesium Supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and is involved in energy production.

Bicarbonate Helps regulate blood pH levels.

Phosphate Important for bone health, muscle function, and energy production.