Why does you body work so hard to maintain pH levels?

Answer 1

Certain body cells can only live/work at certain pH levels. The pH level of the cells in our stomach are higher than the pH level of cells in the bloodstream. If the pH level is too extreme (high or low) for the cells, the proteins will denature and lose their specific shape and function. So that means the cells can't work anymore.

Answer 2

Many of the biochemical reactions in the body are very pH dependent, especially enzyme reactions. If the proper pH is not maintained, the rates of these reactions will slow or not proceed at all.

For example, an amino group (-NH2) in an enzyme can react it its unprotonated state because it has a free pair of electrons to interact with other molecules. But if the pH is too low (acidic), the amino group will protonate (-NH3+) and no longer be reactive because that pair of electrons is bonding to the proton.

That's a pretty simple example, but there are lots more like it. Some enzymes have their particular shape which allows them to catalyze reactions because of hydrogen bonds between one section of the enzyme and another. Protonate or deprotonate those portions of the molecule, and the enzyme shape will change until it is no longer effective.

Answer 3

to maintain the body's essential functions and maintain balance ....a lot of activity in the body relies heavily on enzyme actions which is pH dependant to achieve optimum performance. Certain shift in pH levels in the cell and other parts of the body can denature enzymes or alter its specificity and prevent these biological catalysts from functioning.

Answer 4

I think almost everyone got the big picture. pH affects chemical rxns. Another important component is the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is very pH dependent (Bohr shift) which facilitates O2 loading in the lungs and CO2 loading in the tissues

Answer 5

For optimum reaction pH. Those enzymes again, for one thing.

Answer 6

Anything too acidic will kill us and burn holes through our stomachs, that is where strong acids are. Acids do burn holes, the only reason we don't have them are because if the layer of mucus in our stomachs.

Answer 7

It has something to do with how the blood absorbs oxygen I think.

Answer 8

to keep everything balanced

Answer 9

brewmaster is the answer your looking for