Science glossary film: Buffer

A substance that maintains a solution in a narrow range of pH. A buffer solution consists of a buffering agent, usually a mild acid or base, dissolved in water. Many important biochemical processes work only within narrow pH ranges, so body fluids such as blood often act as buffer solutions.

A buffer solution consists of a buffering agent, usually a mild acid or base, dissolved in water. Many important biochemical processes work only within narrow pH ranges, so body fluids such as blood often act as buffer solutions.