Buffers
Buffers help maintain a constant pH.  A change in pH in living cells could denature proteins, DNA and other important molecules resulting in the death of that cell.  Therefore, buffers are very important to the survival of living things.

A buffer is composed of a weak acid molecule in equilibrium with its conjugate base and hydrogen ion (H+).  An example of an acetic acid/acetate buffer is shown below.

                    CH3COOH    < -------- >    CH3COO-    +   H+

The acetic acid molecule (CH3COOH) acts as a store of base and acid ions.

The acetate ion (CH3COO-) acts like a base which accepts H+ and neutralizes them.

The hydrogen ion (H+) acts like an acid which accepts OH- and neutralizes them.

 
 
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