A buffer is a solution that can resist pH change upon the addition of an acidic or basic component. It is able to neutralize small amounts of added acid or base, thus maintaining the pH of the solution relatively stable/Acids_and_Bases/Buffers/Introduction_to_Buffers)/Acids_and_Bases/Buffers). Buffers are important for processes and/or reactions which require specific and stable pH ranges. Buffer solutions have a working pH range and capacity which dictate how much acid/base can be neutralized before pH changes, and the amount by which it will change/Acids_and_Bases/Buffers/Introduction_to_Buffers)/Acids_and_Bases/Buffers). The main purpose of a buffer is to maintain the pH level to a certain value by neutralizing small amounts of acid or bases added to that particular solution. Buffers play a vital role in maintaining stable pH levels in chemical systems. They achieve this by neutralizing small amounts of added acid or base, thereby preventing significant fluctuations in pH. This pH maintenance is crucial because many chemical reactions are sensitive to changes in pH, which can affect the reaction rate and product formation or even cause irreversible damage to molecules involved in the reaction. In biology, buffers are essential for maintaining optimal pH conditions for cellular processes and enzyme activity. Most enzymes exhibit maximal activity within a narrow pH range, and any deviation from this range can lead to a decrease in efficiency or even denaturation of the enzyme. Buffers help to maintain a constant pH level, which is crucial for various physiological processes.