Textbook 6.19

[claire smith]

In this problem, the book discusses lactic acid and hemoglobin in blood equilibrium. Can someone explain the connection between these two substances in the blood? How are they related?

[Kaitlin Eblen 1I]

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells. Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration (breaking down of sugars in the absence of oxygen). During high intensity exercise, the oxygen levels in our muscles get used up and red blood cells perform anaerobic respiration is performed (which leads to lactic acid production, which builds up in the bloodstream). Lactic acid is not featured in the chemical equation but we know it produces H3O+ when it dissociates in water because it's an acid.

Overview: lactic acid high and oxygen low in muscles, oxygen high in lungs