Sodium bicarbonate

Definition

Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃, commonly known as baking soda, which acts as a buffer to maintain pH balance in the body, especially relevant during protein metabolism where it helps neutralize the acidic by-products. It plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base homeostasis in tissues and blood.

Related terms

Acid: Base Homeostasis - The process by which the body maintains its internal pH within a narrow range despite external influences.

Protein Metabolism:

The series of biochemical processes by which proteins are broken down into their constituent amino acids or transformed into other proteins necessary for bodily functions.

Buffer System: A mixture of weak acid and its conjugate base or vice versa that resists changes in pH by neutralizing added acids or bases in biological fluids