How Can Weak Acids and Weak Bases Cause PH Stress

Question

How can weak acids and weak bases cause pH stress to cells?
A) Only weak acids can cause stress by diffusing across a membrane at low pH.
B) Weak acids and weak bases do not cause stress.
C) If a cell has transporters that are not well regulated, weak acids or weak bases can accumulate inside the cells and cause stress.
D) At certain pHs, both weak acids or weak bases will be uncharged and thus are small uncharged molecules that can diffuse across a membrane and cause pH stress inside the cell.
E) Weak bases will only cause pH stress at low pH.

Accepted Answer

At certain pHs, weak acids and weak bases will be uncharged and thus can diffuse across a membrane and cause pH stress inside the cell. This is especially true if the cell lacks well-regulated transporters. Weak bases can also cause stress at high pH, but this is not mentioned in the answer choices.