buffers Flashcards
what do buffers do
maintain ph within a narrow range
why is it important to maintain ph
pH can change the structure of proteins which will change the function of proteins
what is immunohistochemistry
the process of visualizing a specific protein within tissue using an antibody that binds selectively to that protein and is conjugated to a flourophor or enzyme
what is pH
the negative log of the concentration of H+
important note about pH
the diffference of 1pH unit is a 10X difference of concentration of h3o+
how is a buffer made
when you mix a weak acid with its conjugate base
what is the buffer system that buffers blood pH
carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-)
why do buffers work
there is an equilibrium between the acid (HA) and the conjucate base (A-) in solution
what effects pH
pKa and concentration of acid/base
what buffer system is used in your cells
phosphate buffer system
what makes up the phosphate buffer system used n your cells
dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4) and hydrogen phosphate HPO42-
what is the pka of the phosphate buffer system
7.21
What is internal cell pH
6.9-7.4
What is the buffer system most commonly used for immunohistochemistry
phosphate buffered saline
what is the phosphate buffered saline used for in immunohistochemistry
washing tissue
