textbook 6.19 [ENDORSED]

[VarshiniC]

Hemoglobin (Hb) molecules in blood carry O2 molecules from the lungs, where the concentration of oxygen is high, to the tissues where it is low (see the Interlude following Focus 5). In the tissues the equilibrium H3O1(aq) 1 HbO22 (aq) Δ HHb(aq) 1 H2O(l) 1 O2(aq) releases oxygen. When muscles work hard, they produce lactic acid as a byproduct. (a) What effect will the lactic acid have on the concentration of HbO22?

I was wondering if anyone could explain part A of this question?

[Chem_Mod]

The H⁺ from lactic acid protonates more HbO₂^- to produce more HHb.

Therefore, the concentration of HbO₂^- will be lower in the tissue (due to the lactic acid in the tissue).

Take a look at the answer file I gave.