How do biological systems respond when acids or bases are added?
A. Biological systems do not experience any changes in pH.
B. They have substances that counteract acids or bases to prevent the pH from changing.
C. Most biological molecules can function at any pH value.
D. Cells produce different molecules that can function at the new pH levels.
I think the answer might be D or B, but i dont know.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down the options and explain them individually:
A. Biological systems do not experience any changes in pH.
This statement is not accurate. Biological systems can indeed experience changes in pH when acids or bases are added. The pH of a biological system plays a crucial role in maintaining its normal functioning and overall balance.
B. They have substances that counteract acids or bases to prevent the pH from changing.
This statement is correct. Biological systems have buffers, which are substances that help maintain a stable pH by counteracting the effects of acids or bases. Buffers can take up excess H+ ions (in an acidic environment) or release H+ ions (in a basic environment) to prevent drastic changes in pH.
C. Most biological molecules can function at any pH value.
This statement is not accurate. While certain biological molecules may be able to function within a broad pH range, each molecule has an optimal pH at which it functions most efficiently. Extreme variations in pH can disrupt the structure and function of various biological molecules, such as enzymes and proteins.
D. Cells produce different molecules that can function at the new pH levels.
This statement is not entirely accurate. While cells may have some mechanisms to adapt to changes in pH, they do not generally produce different molecules specifically for the purpose of functioning at new pH levels. Rather, they employ buffer systems and other regulatory mechanisms to counteract the changes in pH.
Considering the explanations provided, the correct answer is B. Biological systems have substances (buffers) that counteract acids or bases to prevent the pH from changing. These buffers help maintain the pH within a narrow range, enabling proper functioning of biological systems.