The Impact of Acids and Bases

Acids and bases are basically a measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution. Because both of these molecules are highly reactive, they can have a major impact on other molecules around them. This can be especially important to living organisms who depend on the proper balance of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions to maintain their physiological processes. The pH scale shows a ratio of the concentrations of these two ions.

Many organisms such as humans will have areas of their bodies with vastly different pH levels. For instance, human blood is slightly basic (7.4). Human saliva is around neutral (7.0). But, the gastric juices in the stomach is extremely acidic (2.0). For the necessary physiological processes to occur, these pH levels must be maintained. In the case of humans, if our gastric juices become too acidic, then we will often take antacids which will help make the juices closer to neutral.