A buffer is a solution that can resist pH change with the addition of an acid or base. It is able to neutralise small amounts of added acid or base, thus maintaining the pH of the solution relatively stable. This is important for processes and or reactions which require specific and stable pH ranges.
Buffers generally consist of a weak acid and its salt or a weak base and its salt. The solutions resist pH change because of a chemical equilibrium between the weak acid HA and its conjugate base A−:
Buffers are used with fixatives which require certain properties:
1. A constant pH during the time of the fixation (The pH of the fixative in electron microscopy is adjusted using the buffer system chosen)
2. Prevention of the extraction of cellular components, or the deposition of precipitates of fixative chemicals.
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