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Acid–base homeostasis is the homeostatic regulation of the pH of the body's extracellular fluid (ECF). [1] The proper balance between the acids and bases (i.e. the pH) in the ECF is crucial for the normal physiology of the body—and for cellular metabolism. [1]
A change in the plasma pH gives an acid–base imbalance. In acid–base homeostasis there are two mechanisms that can help regulate the pH. Respiratory compensation a mechanism of the respiratory center, adjusts the partial pressure of carbon dioxide by changing the rate and depth of breathing, to bring the pH back to normal. The partial ...
Intracellular pH (pH i) is the measure of the acidity or basicity (i.e., pH) of intracellular fluid. The pH i plays a critical role in membrane transport and other intracellular processes. In an environment with the improper pH i , biological cells may have compromised function.
The pH level of food influences its flavor, texture, and shelf life. [33] Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, typically have a pH below 4.6 [34] with sharp and tangy taste, while basic foods tastes bitter or soapy. [35] Maintaining the appropriate pH in foods is essential for preventing the growth of harmful ...
Metabolic acidosis can lead to acidemia, which is defined as arterial blood pH that is lower than 7.35. [6] Acidemia and acidosis are not mutually exclusive – pH and hydrogen ion concentrations also depend on the coexistence of other acid-base disorders; therefore, pH levels in people with metabolic acidosis can range from low to high.
The use of acidosis for a low pH creates an ambiguity in its meaning. The difference is important where a patient has factors causing both acidosis and alkalosis, wherein the relative severity of both determines whether the result is a high, low, or normal pH. [citation needed] Alkalemia occurs at a pH over 7.45.
Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
In biochemistry, denaturation is a process in which proteins or nucleic acids lose folded structure present in their native state due to various factors, including application of some external stress or compound, such as a strong acid or base, a concentrated inorganic salt, an organic solvent (e.g., alcohol or chloroform), agitation and radiation, or heat. [3]