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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

How do proteins contribute to the acid-base balance of the blood?

By increasing the rate of carbon dioxide exhalation in the lungs

By directly neutralizing strong acids and bases through hydrolysis

By acting as buffers that can accept or donate protons through their amino acid side chains

By converting bicarbonate ions into carbonic acid

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of acid-base balance in the blood: The acid-base balance is crucial for maintaining physiological pH (around 7.35-7.45). Proteins play a role in this balance by acting as buffers, which help resist changes in pH.

Learn about protein structure and amino acid side chains: Proteins are composed of amino acids, each with a unique side chain. Some side chains have functional groups that can accept or donate protons (H⁺), making them capable of buffering pH changes.

Explore the buffering mechanism: Proteins act as buffers by utilizing their amino acid side chains. For example, histidine residues in proteins have an imidazole group that can accept or donate protons depending on the pH, helping stabilize blood pH.

Compare the given options: Evaluate each option based on the role of proteins in acid-base balance. Proteins do not directly neutralize acids and bases through hydrolysis, nor do they convert bicarbonate ions into carbonic acid. Instead, they act as buffers by accepting or donating protons.

Conclude with the correct answer: Proteins contribute to the acid-base balance of the blood by acting as buffers that can accept or donate protons through their amino acid side chains, helping maintain physiological pH.