Answered: Describe the functional roles of acids,…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

Describe the functional roles of acids, bases, and salts.

Expert Solution

Step 1

Acid- An acid is a solute that releases hydrogen ions which causes the lowering of the ph level.

Base- An base is a solute that is responsible for the removal of hydrogen ions by releasing hydroxide ions thereby increasing the ph level.

Salt- Salt is an ionic compound and contains both an anion and cation except the anion and cation of the acid and base and it is a product of the neutralization of acid and base.

Step 2

Functional role of acids, bases, and salt-

Acids-

Enzymatic action- Certain enzyme needs an acidic medium for function for example the hydrochloric acid secretes by the pancreatic cell provide an optimum environment for the enzymatic action of pepsin in the breakdown of the protein content inside the stomach.
Amino acid- This type of acid is necessary for energy production and for the growth of the muscle as they are the building blocks of the protein.
Fatty acid- This type of acid is very useful in maintaining brain health, vasodilatation, vasoconstriction, etc.
Ascorbic acid- It is very useful for maintaining the health of bone and cartilage and it also contributes to immune function.

Bases-

The base is the necessity for maintaining the ph level which is required for the maintenance of normal human body function as our body can work only at an optimum level of ph.