Weak acids

Question 1

Concentration

Answer 1

How much acid is present within the food

Question 2

Strength

Answer 2

Tendency to dissociate and give protons in a solution

Question 3

Will strong acids completely dissociate?

Answer 3

Yes, weak acids will not

Question 4

What is the association between Pka value and acid strength?

Answer 4

The stronger the acid, the smaller the PKA value will be

Question 5

Why do we use weak acids for food preservation?

Answer 5

The undissociated charge of the weak acid passes through the membrane using diffusion and then dissociates spawning protons inside the cell

Question 6

A good antimicrobial will have a ____ Pka

Answer 6

High

Question 7

Give examples of weak acids typically used in food products

Answer 7

• Acetic acid
• Lactic acid
• Citric acid

Question 8

What are some protective strategies cells employ to deal with acid stress?

Answer 8

• pH homeostasis
• Production o urease
• Amino acid decarboxylases