Scientists can use pH as an indicator of the relative acidity
(pH < 7) or alkalinity (pH > 7) of an aqueous solution
compared with a pH neutral (pH 7.0 at 25 degrees celsius) solution
such as water. For example, if a scientist wants to grow mammalian
cells in tissue culture they must use aqueous buffers, serum and
growth medium at a pH within the healthy range of a living system.
Deviations from the human physiologic pH of 7.365 can denature
enzymes and proteins vital to the cell's metabolism.