Final answer:
Extremely high or low pH values can damage biological molecules and disrupt cellular functions, leading to health problems such as acidosis or alkalosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Extremely high or low pH values generally result in the disruption of biological molecules such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. In living organisms, these extreme pH levels can denature proteins and nucleic acids, impair enzyme function, and disrupt cellular processes such as ATP production. For example, acidosis occurs when there is an excess of hydrogen ions resulting in a low blood pH, and alkalosis occurs when there is a deficiency of hydrogen ions leading to a high blood pH. The normal functioning of enzymes, crucial for biochemical reactions, is highly pH-dependent; deviations from their optimal pH can result in decreased enzyme activity or denaturation, and subsequently, a disruption in homeostasis and potential health consequences.