2007-11-04 14:17:40 · 5 answers · asked by chaniquana 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because it means the difference between life and death.
2007-11-04 14:21:16 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pH is a logarithmic measure. So a small change is not really so small. For example, a change of pH by 0.3 doubles or halves the H+ concentration. Certain reactions involved in living only occur in a very narrow range of pH, because some of the reactants change identity outside that range.
2007-11-04 22:26:40 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the acidity of the water environment has an enormous impact on the electrical charge of proteins and other macromolecules which then my change shape and lose their function. Also, protons form gradients over biological membranes, which is a big deal e.g. for bacteria.
Jeez, now that I think of it, there are dozens of reasons why the pH is so important.
2007-11-04 22:23:21 · answer #3 · answered by Rikounet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
enzymes run most of the processes in our body, for example respiring, digesting ect they are essential to our lives, and enzymes happen to be affected by pH. enzymes require a fairly specific pH for them to work properly (otherwise they lose their shape and get denatured) so even small changes in the pH can greatly effect life processes.
2007-11-04 22:22:29 · answer #4 · answered by science_guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you raised or lowered the pH of the ocean by one, the results would be disastrous. Everything has its limit.
2007-11-04 22:20:41 · answer #5 · answered by martinlh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋