You want to maintain pH = 7.0 for an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that will produce hydrogen ions along with the desired product. At equal concentrations, which weak acid, if any, will serve as the better buffer for the reaction: acid A, with pK_a = 6.5, or acid B, with pK_a = 7.5?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A buffer system works most effectively when the pKa of the buffer is close to the desired pH. Acid A, with a pKa of 6.5, is closer to the desired pH of 7.0 than Acid B, which has a pKa of 7.5.

You Want to Maintain PH = 7