Define pH. The pH range of blood is from 7.35 to 7.45. Circle the correct answer to complete the sentence: This is slightly (acidic / basic).

Distinguish inorganic from organic compounds, and list the major categories of each in the body.

Pediatricians become concerned about the potential for brain damage when an infant's temperature approaches 105°F. Which class of organic molecules is most likely to be damaged by high temperature? Explain why.

What are hydrogen bonds, and how are they important in the body?

Sarah has a lower than normal amount of body fat. She tends to be chilly except on very hot days. Lauren has a higher than normal amount of body fat and tends to feel overheated most of the time. Explain the relative sensitivity to environmental temperature of these two women on the basis of information you have been given in the Organic Compounds section of this chapter.

Mrs. Roberts, who is in a diabetic coma, has just been admitted to Noble Hospital. Her blood pH indicates that she is in severe acidosis (blood pH in the acid range), and the medical staff quickly institute measures to bring her blood pH back within normal limits. Note the normal pH of blood, and discuss why severe acidosis is a problem.

Identify each of the following reactions as a synthesis, decomposition, or exchange reaction:

2Hg + O₂ 2HgO

Fe²¹ + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu²¹

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

HNO₃ → H⁺ + NO₃⁻