| buffer | <biochemistry, chemistry> A system that acts to minimise the change in concentration of a specific chemical species in solution against addition or depletion of this species. PH buffers: weak acids or weak bases in aqueous solution. The working range is given by pKa +/ 1. Metal ion buffers: a metal ion chelator for example EDTA, partially saturated by the metal ion acts, as a buffer for the metal ion. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| buffer capacity | <chemistry> The ability of a buffer solution to absorb added alkali or acid while maintaining the solution's pH. (09 Oct 1997) |
| buffer index | The power of a substance in solution to absorb acid or alkali without change in pH; this is highest at a pH value equal to the pKa value of the acid of the buffer pair. See: buffer capacity. Synonym: buffer index. (05 Mar 2000) |
| buffer pair | An acid and its conjugate base (anion). (05 Mar 2000) |
| buffer value | The power of a substance in solution to absorb acid or alkali without change in pH; this is highest at a pH value equal to the pKa value of the acid of the buffer pair. See: buffer capacity. Synonym: buffer index. (05 Mar 2000) |
| buffer value of the blood | The ability of the blood to compensate for additions of acid or alkali without disturbance of the pH. (05 Mar 2000) |
| buffer zone | <ecology> An area of land separating two distinct land uses that acts to soften or mitigate the effects of one land use on the other. (09 Oct 1997) |
| buffered | <pharmacology> Refers to pills coated with a special substance that neutralises stomach acid. Drugs are buffered to reduce stomach upset or increase absorption by the intestines. (09 Oct 1997) |
| buffered crystalline penicillin G | Crystalline potassium penicillin G or crystalline sodium penicillin G buffered with not less than 4% and not more than 5% of sodium citrate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| buffers | Chemical systems that prevent change in the concentration of another chemical substance, e.g. Proton donor and acceptor systems serve as buffers preventing marked changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH). (12 Dec 1998) |
| riparian buffer | Riparian areas that are managed to protect the aquatic and riparian ecosystem. A riparian buffer protects water quality and temperature, habitat along the banks, upland habitat for aquatic and riparian species, and some or all of the floodplain. (05 Dec 1998) |
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| secondary buffer | See: Hamburger's law. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dipolar buffer | Buffer whose structure can include opposite charges. Synonym: dipolar buffer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zwitterionic buffer | Buffer whose structure can include opposite charges. Synonym: dipolar buffer. (05 Mar 2000) |