BCH 201 ASSIGNMENT UPDATE
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1. Write on the effects of Ph in cellular activities such as:
Enzyme function
- ionisation of molecules
- membrane potentials
- Cellular metabolism
- Cellular Signali
- Oxygen transport
Note: Group reports and submissions are next week on monday,also each group are to use 15 mins for their presentation, very important!!
BIOCHEMISTRY Department
BCH 201 ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS
Question: Write on the effects of pH in cellular activities such as:
Enzyme function
Ionisation of molecules
Membrane potentials
Cellular metabolism
Cellular signaling
Oxygen transport
Answer
The pH of a cell’s environment is a key factor that influences many biological activities. Here’s how it affects the listed processes:
- Enzyme Function
Enzymes work best at specific pH levels, known as their optimum pH. If the pH is too high (basic) or too low (acidic), the enzyme’s shape can change, and it might not work well. For example:
Digestive enzymes like pepsin work in acidic environments (pH ~2) in the stomach.
Others like amylase in saliva prefer a neutral pH (~7).
Extreme pH can even cause enzymes to denature, meaning they lose their structure and stop functioning altogether.
- Ionisation of Molecules
pH affects whether molecules in cells are charged (ionised) or not. This is important because:
Charged molecules are often more soluble in water.
For example, amino acids and proteins have specific charges depending on the pH, which influences how they fold and interact with other molecules.
If the pH is wrong, these interactions may not happen properly, affecting the cell’s functions.
- Membrane Potentials
The pH inside and outside the cell influences the movement of ions, like sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺), across the cell membrane.
These ion movements create a voltage (membrane potential) that is essential for nerve signals, muscle contractions, and energy production.
A disturbed pH can interfere with this balance, leading to problems like poor nerve signals or muscle weakness.
- Cellular Metabolism
Metabolic reactions in cells rely on the proper functioning of enzymes, which are affected by pH.
For example, glycolysis, the process of breaking down glucose for energy, needs enzymes to work in a slightly acidic pH.
If the pH changes too much, it can slow down or stop energy production, leaving the cell with insufficient energy to function.
- Cellular Signaling
Cells use signaling molecules, like hormones, to communicate with each other. These molecules often rely on pH to bind properly to their targets.
For instance, pH changes can affect how receptors on the cell surface interact with signaling molecules like insulin.
This can disrupt important processes like glucose regulation or stress responses.
- Oxygen Transport
The pH of blood affects how oxygen binds to hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.
In acidic conditions (low pH), hemoglobin releases oxygen more easily (Bohr effect), which is helpful during exercise when tissues need more oxygen.
However, if the pH is too acidic or too basic, it can interfere with this balance and reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues.
Conclusion
The pH in cells and their environment is like a control system that keeps many processes running smoothly. If it changes too much, cellular activities can slow down or stop entirely, leading to health problems or cell death.