Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

2. Water

Buffer Solution

Biochemistry

2. Water

Buffer Solution

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Multiple Choice

Which type of compound minimizes pH fluctuations in the fluids of living organisms?

Buffer

Carbohydrate

Enzyme

Lipid

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of pH and its importance in biological systems. pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and living organisms require a stable pH for proper biochemical functioning.

Learn about buffers. Buffers are compounds that resist changes in pH by neutralizing added acids or bases. They typically consist of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid.

Explore how buffers work. When an acid is added to a buffered solution, the weak base in the buffer reacts with the hydrogen ions (H⁺) to minimize the increase in acidity. Similarly, when a base is added, the weak acid reacts with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to minimize the increase in alkalinity.

Compare buffers to other compounds listed in the problem. Carbohydrates, enzymes, and lipids do not have the specific chemical properties required to stabilize pH fluctuations. Buffers are uniquely suited for this role due to their ability to maintain equilibrium in the presence of added acids or bases.

Conclude that buffers are the type of compound that minimizes pH fluctuations in the fluids of living organisms, ensuring stable conditions for biochemical processes.