1.6.14

Lactic Acid

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Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is a waste by-product of anaerobic respiration. Lactic acid enables energy to be produced in cells without the presence of oxygen.

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Formula

  • Lactic acid is an organic acid.
  • Lactic acid has the formula CH₃CHCOOH.
    • Lactic acid contains carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.
  • Lactic acid can be mixed with water to form a colorless solution.
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Lactic acid and exercise

  • Lactic acid is the waste by-product of anaerobic respiration.
    • Lactic acid is created when you exercise.
  • Exercise may cause deeper breathing.
    • Deeper breathing is your body trying to inhale more oxygen.
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Excess lactic acid

  • Some health conditions prevent people from getting enough oxygen.
    • Lack of oxygen may cause continuous high levels of lactic acid.
  • Continuous high levels of lactic acid may lead to:
    • Kidney failure
    • Liver failure
    • Cirrhosis
  • The liver converts lactic acid back into glucose.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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