Concept about Bases – Introduction to fundamental concepts of Biological Science including the organization and common characteristics of living matters, cell structures and functions, food production by photosynthesis, harvesting energy, mechanism of cells reproduction, genetics, evolutions, and Human Biology. Introduction to general chemistry including basic concepts about matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds, gases, liquid, and solids, solutions, chemical reactions, acid, bases, and salt;
organic and biochemistry including hydrocarbons and their derivatives, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, nucleic acids; principles of physics and applications to nursing including gravity and mechanics, pressure, heat and electricity; nuclear chemistry and nuclear physics, effects of radiation on human beings, and protection and disposal. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and skills in general biological science, general chemistry and physics.
Concept about Bases
Bases are defined as compounds that contain the hydroxide group and ionize to form hydroxyl ions, OH in a water solution.
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Base, in chemistry, any substance that in water solution is slippery to the touch, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., turns red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and promotes certain chemical reactions (base catalysis).
Examples of bases are the hydroxides of the alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, calcium, etc.) and the water solutions of ammonia or its organic derivatives (amines).
Properties of Bases
1. When a base (strong) is dissolved in water, the solution has a slippery of soapy feeling.
2. Solutions of bases have a bitter taste.
3. Bases turn red litmus dye to blue,
4. Bases react with acids to form salt and water, 2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + 2H2O (Base) (Acid) (Salt) (Water)
5. Action of bases on tissues:- bases likes sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide destroy tissues by dissolving their protein material and extracting their water. Bases dissolve fats to form soaps which are useful as cleansing agents.
Bases Clinical and Laboratory Uses:
1. Ammonium hydroxide:- It is used in medicine as a heart respiratory stimulant It is also used as cleansing agent.
2. Magnesium hydroxide:- In medicine, thick suspension known as milk of magnesia is a common remedy for acid indigestion, i.e., used as an antacid. Magnesium compound is a laxative in its physiological action.
3. Calcium hydroxide: Lime water is used in medicine to overcome high acidity in the stomach. Calcium hydroxide serves as a special antitode for oxalic acid poisoning.
4. Sodium hydroxide is used in manufacturing of soaps.
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