Applications of Acids & Bases
A s the government continues to add to the school curriculum, and students struggle to see the applications of what they are taught, project-incorporated learning strives to connect the dots.
Following my chemistry class’ unit on acids and bases, I worked with two other classmates on finding the real-world connection and application between acids and bases and pharmacology, or more specifically, pH medications.
Why is learning about this important?
On a smaller scale, gastroesophageal reflux, which in other words is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, can be prevented as knowledge about pH is obtained. An episode of acid reflux results in heartburn.
Long-term acid reflux can be especially dangerous as it damages the esophagus and can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Barrett’s affects 3–10% of older males, but within this group the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only about four in every 1,000 cases.
What is the chemistry behind the application?
Stomach acid contains HCl, and is created to digest food and kill bacteria but as this acid is corrosive, the stomach produces a mucus barrier to protect itself. People with weaker mucus barriers are unable to fully protect the stomach resulting in an ulcer.
Ulcer treatments include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as well as H2-receptor antagonists (H2 Blockers). Antacids only neutralize stomach acid, whereas PPIs and H2 Blockers reduce the amount of acid created, and therefore, are more effective. Proton pumps are proteins that use ATP to move hydrogen across a membrane against its concentration gradient. PPIs work by stopping proton pumps, preventing the pH from decreasing. H2 Blockers target Histamine receptors. Histamine stimulates parietal cells in the stomach lining to release acid. H2 Blockers work by competing with Histamine receptors on parietal cells. This prevents Histamine from bonding therefore preventing the release of stomach acid.
Tums can be used to treat acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the cardiac sphincter is weak; this can result in stomach acid coming into the esophagus and as there is an inflammation of the esophagus from the acid.
However, prolonged usage of Tums can cause alkalosis, a condition that occurs when the pH of the blood and blood levels are imbalanced. Excessive blood alkalinity can occur for three reasons: an overabundance of bicarbonate in blood, metabolic alkalosis, and/or respiratory alkalosis.
Thinking, Perspective, and Mindset
Extending my learning through a group project has provided me with the opportunity to dive deeper and challenge myself academically in a hands-on, creative way. It has aided me in my connection between school and knowledge to its real life application. It was effective as an in-depth investigation of a real-world topic.
Finished Product?
Rather than doing a traditional poster, we decided to take a different approach which resulted in us cutting out our poster into the shape of a stomach in order to make our presentation more visually appealing.
The above photo is our finished product! Shoutout to my amazing teammates, Lucia & Maleka, who made this whole process super fun and rewarding!
