Why are water and its derivatives useful as buffers in the cell cytoplasm?   A. H3O+ can serve as a strong base.   B. H2O can make hydrogen bonds.   C. H20 can serve as a strong acid and as a strong base.   D. H20 can serve as a weak acid and OH- can serve as a weak base.   E. H20 can serve as a weak base and as a weak acid.

BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:STARR
Chapter3: Molecules Of Life
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 3SA: _______ groups are the acid part of amino acids and fatty acids. a. Hydroxyl (OH) c. Methyl (CH3) b....
icon
Related questions
Question

Why are water and its derivatives useful as buffers in the cell cytoplasm?

  A.

H3O+ can serve as a strong base.

  B.

H2O can make hydrogen bonds.

  C.

H20 can serve as a strong acid and as a strong base.

  D.

H20 can serve as a weak acid and OH- can serve as a weak base.

  E.

H20 can serve as a weak base and as a weak acid.

Expert Solution
Introduction

Buffers are solutions that are capable of resisting changes to pH due to the addition of acids or bases. For living cells, buffers are crucial as it protects the various biomolecules such as proteins against changes in pH. Excessive changes to the pH can cause the denaturation of proteins.  

 

trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Acids and Bases
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305967359
Author:
STARR
Publisher:
CENGAGE L
Concepts of Biology
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:
9781938168116
Author:
Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:
OpenStax College
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305112100
Author:
Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Body Structures & Functions
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:
9781285695495
Author:
Scott
Publisher:
Cengage
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781337392938
Author:
Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Ebk:Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Ebk:Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:
9780357391747
Author:
DEBRUYNE
Publisher:
Cengage