Chapter 15, Problem 121QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the fact that amino acids such as lysine, arginine, and histidine could buffer the cells against the alkaline external environment has to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

The buffer is a solution that resists any change in pH on the addition of ${\text{H}}^{+}$ and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$.  An acidic buffer is made up of a weak acid and its salt.  A basic buffer is made up of a weak base and its salt.  The formula to calculate the $\text{pH}$ of the buffer is shown below.

  $\text{pH}=-\log K_a+\log \frac{\left[{\text{A}}^{-}\right]}{\left[\text{HA}\right]}$