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Plants and animals
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- The significance of acid and base balance is evident in everyday life, particularly for plants and animals. The human body functions within a critical pH range of 7.0 to 7.8, emphasizing the essentiality of maintaining acid and base equilibrium.
- Living organisms can survive only in a narrow range of pH change.
- When pH of rain water is less than 5.6, it is called acid rain.
- When acid rain flows into the rivers, it lowers the pH of the river water.
- Thus, the survival of aquatic life in such rivers becomes difficult.
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pH of the Soil
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- The significance of acid and base can be seen in plants that require a specific pH range for their healthy growth.
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pH in our Digestive System
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- Our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It helps in the digestion of food without harming the stomach, showcasing the remarkable balance between acid and base necessary for effective and safe digestive processes.
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pH Change as the Cause of Tooth Decay
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- Tooth enamel, made up of calcium phosphate is the hardest substance in the body.
- It does not dissolve in water, but is corroded when the pH in the mouth is below 5.5.
- Bacteria present in the mouth produce acids by degradation of sugar and food particles remaining in the mouth after eating.
- Using toothpastes, which are generally basic, for cleaning the teeth can neutralise the excess acid and prevent tooth decay.
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Self Defence by Animals and Plants Through Chemical Warfare
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- Bee-sting leaves an acid which causes pain and irritation.
- Use of a mild base like baking soda on the stung area gives relief. Stinging hair of nettle leaves inject methanoic acid causing burning pain.
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