Question

How will the change in pH impact the functioning of cells? (Hint: Explain which biomolecules and what types of bonds in these biomolecules can be affected by pH)

Answer 1

Answer:

A change in pH will cause many cellular processes to be disrupted because they affect the biomolecules (protein and nucleic acid) responsible for these processes.

Explanation:

pH refers to the degree of acidity or alkalinity. In a cell, the structures and processes that occur in them are impossible without the biomolecules, which are carbohydrate, protein, lipids and protein.

However, unfavorable conditions like a change in pH can cause the structure of some of these biomolecules to be affected. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which gives them their shape that is peculiar to their functioning. Also, nucleic acids such as DNA are composed of nucleotides responsible for their functioning.

A change in pH will cause the bonds of the protein to be disrupted, hence altering its shape and ultimately its functioning. Likewise, the hydrogen bonds in the DNA will be broken in the presence of a high pH causing the DNA to be dysfunctional.

When these biomolecules are affected, the vital functions that they perform in a cell, which is key to the cell's survival are disrupted) are likewise affected. Therefore, the cell is affected negatively.