Biotech Terms - Science Terms - Biotechnology Industry Terms

Biotech Terms - Science Terms - Biotechnology Industry Terms: "4. How do Buffers Work? Buffers are solutions that have the capacity withstand the addition of small amounts of protons and/or hydroxide ions, or undergo dilution, without a dramatic change in pH. They are comprised of a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. The buffering action is a result of the equilibrium between the acid-base pair. Optimum buffering capacity occurs when the components of the acid-base pair are present at nearly the same concentrations. When they are present in equal amounts, the buffer will resist pH changes in the range of its pKa (acid dissociation constant)."