Biology Forum Cell Biology Acid on cell membranes

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    • #3913
      caulfc
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      What do acidic solutions do to cell membranes?
      I think or teacher says they creates holes and allows the pigment to leak out but which part of the cell membrane does it affect? ❓

      I read the post about beetroot and temperature and now we’re doing that prac but I need help writing up this one, please help if u know…

    • #97632
      Mio
      Participant

      The acid would probably affect the tertiary structure of the proteins (Intrinsic and extrinsic) held within the bi-layer of the phospholipid membrane.

      This causes the proteins to denature and unfold, causing the "holes" that your teacher has mentioned.

    • #97648
      jwalin
      Participant

      mio is right

      just to add on the excessive h+ ions affect the hydrogen bonding in secondary, tertiary and even quatenary structures

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