AcadEmploy.com

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog

Main Menu

  • Business
  • Career
  • Education
  • Students
  • Jobs
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Students
  • Workplace
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog

logo

AcadEmploy.com

  • Business
  • Career
  • Education
  • Students
  • Jobs
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Students
  • Workplace
  • Understanding the Use of Peptides for Research Purposes

  • 5 Tips for Finding a Job as a College Student

  • Forex Trading For Beginners: Why Choosing The Right Broker Is Critical

  • The Impact Of The Pandemic On Student Interaction (And How It’s Being Resolved)

  • Various Opportunities in the Digital World Today

Science
Home›Science›Different Types of Buffers for Your Research

Different Types of Buffers for Your Research

By Mason Spandorf
July 29, 2019
39
0
Share:

    Nearly every experiment in the field of biology will involve examining the actions of enzymes and other proteins. When these proteins are involved in your experiment, you will need to keep your experiment’s environmental pH level stable due to pH modifications that occur during the course of the procedure. Using the right buffer liquid is crucial to maintaining the pH of the environment and executing a successful experiment overall. However, it can be difficult to select the right buffer for your specific needs.

    What Is a Buffer?

    A buffer is a liquid that scientists use to resist changes in hydrogen ion concentration during experiments with enzymes and active proteins. These fluctuations can affect the pH system of the experiment’s environment, which can affect the experiment’s overall outcome. Researchers use buffers in many types of experiments and molecular screening.

    A buffer contains a weak acid and its conjugate base. It can also contain a weak base and its conjugate acid. Since weak acids and bases do not completely dissociate in water, they can exist within the experiment’s environment in equilibrium. All buffers contain an optimal pH so that they can absorb and moderate the changes in hydrogen ion concentration that may take place, allowing your experiment’s pH to remain stable throughout the procedure.

    What Are the Different Types of Buffers?

    You can choose between two types of buffers: acidic buffer solutions, which contain a weak acid and its conjugate base, or alkaline buffer solutions, which contain a weak base and its conjugate acid. Acidic buffer solutions have a pH below 7 and usually contain an associated salt as a conjugate base. Alkaline buffer solutions have a pH above 7 and have an associated salt as a conjugate acid.

    Scientists choose a buffer based on the pH level of the experiment itself and the buffer’s pH range. When you use a buffer in your experiment, you should keep the same buffer throughout the entire study to maintain consistency. Buffers are only effective at pKa values within 1 unit of your experiment’s pH value. For example, if you have a pH value of 7.1, you should choose a buffer with a pKa between 6.1 and 8.1. If you believe your experiment could lower the pH of the environment, choose a buffer with a lower pKa level. If you believe your experiment would increase the pH of the environment, choose a buffer with a higher pKa level.

    What Makes a Good Buffer?

    There are certain characteristics you should look for when choosing your laboratory buffer. Different buffers work better with different types of experiments and conditions. Depending on your laboratory needs, choose a buffer according to these characteristics:

    • Solubility: When you choose a buffer for your experiment, you should choose one that is highly soluble in water. The buffer should not be as soluble in other nonpolar solvents, such as oils, fats, and other organic solvents. By choosing a buffer in this ideal solubility, you prevent the buffer from accumulating other organic, nonpolar substances during the course of your experiment.

    • Stability: You should choose a buffer that is chemically stable. This quality will help your experiment resist changes such as enzymatic degradation.

    • Ionic strength: You want to make sure that whatever buffer solution you choose does not have an impact on your experiment’s ionic concentration.

    • Membrane impermeability: You do not want your buffer to pass through cell membranes. Choose a buffer that does not permeate membranes. This will help you reduce an improper accumulation of your buffer in other structures in your experiment.

    Previous Article

    Assistant Professor of Animal Science-Beef Production

    Next Article

    Everyone Is Different: 4 Steps to Choosing ...

    0
    Shares

      Mason Spandorf

      Mason Jenkins has been a blogger for nearly ten years. He has a passion for motivating and inspiring individuals to have a successful career. This is the driving force behind his passion. His interests in education and employment brought him to Academploy. You can find Mason training for a marathon or out riding when he is not behind his laptop.

      Related articles More from author

      • Science

        WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO LIVE ON THE MOON?

        July 18, 2019
        By Mason Spandorf

      You may interested

      • Jobs

        Director, Nevada AIDS Education and Training Center, Reno

      • Business

        4 Signs Your Business is Ripe for Expansion

      • Career

        How to Create an Eye-Catching Cover Letter: A Full Guide

      Newsletter

      Contact us

      • [email protected]

      About us

      Academploy is an educational blog where academics, students, teachers and business people come together to share experiences and gain knowledge in their field. Academploy also features work opportunities for individuals looking to further their careers.

      © Copyright 2019 | Academic Employment Network | [email protected]