Week Two

Well, week two was a bit more confusing. I am really starting to worry that I won't be able to understand this class. I followed the best I could. As the information began to get more complicated, I got sick. This blog is not to trouble you with my issues, so I will continue with the little bit of information that I think I understand.
The Metabolism consists of two parts.
Catabolism and Anabolism. Catabolism is the process dealing with breaking down.
Anabolism is the process dealing with putting together. Now oxygen plays an important role in the metabolic process. Oxygen helps to make ATP. What is ATP you may ask? It is a nucleotide that links reactions that produce energy to reactions that require energy. ATP is very important as you can see. Don't ask any questions, because that's all I have folks!
Let's talk about the body a bit more. Human blood maintains a Ph. of 7.3-7.5. Acidosis in the blood can be toxic. It is when the blood is below 7.0. Now what does that mean practically to you and me? It means a coma, and then a sure death. Alkalosis is when the blood ph. is at a level of 7.8 and above. Pretty much...death. Ok, now we have buffers in our stomachs to protect us against these heavy acids. An example of a buffer is: MUCUS! Yup! That nasty green stuff is protecting the lining of our stomachs.
Ok, last thing I have to say is that acids and bases are both ions. What does that mean? Stay tuned while I go find out. Until next week folks!