It also reacts with alkalis. An alkali is a chemical with properties opposite those of an acid. Sodium hydroxide (common lye) and limewater are examples of alkalis. It is unusual for an element to react with both acids and alkalis. Such elements are said to be amphoteric. Aluminum also...
and substances involved in cellularmetabolism. Outside the cell, in the surrounding water-based environment, areions,acids, andalkalisthat are toxic to the cell, as well as nutrients that the cell must absorb in order to live and grow. The cell membrane, therefore, has two functions: first,...