2. Question 7  What are some characteristics of acids and why are they important in living systems? - Characteristics: - Sour taste - Can dissolve many metals - Can burn a hole in your rug - Can release hydrogen ions in detectable amounts - Importance - Hydrochloric acid helps digestion

3. Question 8  What are some characteristics of bases and why are they important in living systems?  Characteristics  Bitter taste  Feels slippery  Proton acceptors  Importance  Important for neutralization  For the blood

4. Question 9  What are buffers and why are they important?  Buffers  Substances that help to stabilize the pH of a solution  Importance  It stabilizes the pH level of a solution