Lactic Acid: Ionised or Non-Ionised in Human Body?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the production of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid) during exercise and the determination of whether the ionized or non-ionized form is mainly present in the human body's pH of 7.4. The participants suggest using blood as a buffer substance and solving the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to determine the pH of lactic acid in the buffer. It is concluded that the ionized form of lactic acid will dominate due to its low initial concentration and low ionization.
  • #1
josephcollins
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Hi guys,
Could anyone give me a hand with this one?

During exercise, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid) is produced in the muscles. Deduce whether the ionised or non-ionised form of this weak acid (Ka=1.4*10^-4) is mainly present at the pH of the human body (pH=7.4).
 
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  • #2
Well, your teacher is a creative one :smile:

Let's assume that blood is a buffer substance with pH value of 7,4. So just find the pH value of lactic acid (or lactate) in pH 7,4 buffer. It seems that the acid form will dominate, but I may be wrong. You'll know this when you solve the H-H equation or the contribution of LA in blood.
 
  • #3
Let's start from somewhere:

[tex]HLac \xrightarrow {ionization} H^+ + Lac^-[/tex]

In here, a very small amount of HLac will be produced in a relatively vast amount of buffer; so it will probably be ionized. The initial concentration of lactic acid is low I think, and it also decreases due to low ionization. So we don't really need to know the initial concentration; it will surely be ionized, contrasting to my earlier thread.
 

1. What is lactic acid and why is it important in the human body?

Lactic acid is a type of organic acid that is produced in the body during intense exercise or when there is a lack of oxygen in the muscles. It is important because it helps the body produce energy and plays a role in regulating the body's pH levels.

2. Is lactic acid ionised or non-ionised in the human body?

In the human body, lactic acid can exist in both ionised and non-ionised forms. The ionised form, known as lactate, is more prevalent in the body and is the form that is typically measured in blood tests.

3. How does the body regulate lactic acid levels?

The body has several mechanisms in place to regulate lactic acid levels. One way is through the removal of lactic acid from the muscles and its conversion into glucose by the liver. The body also has buffering systems that help maintain a stable pH, preventing lactic acidosis.

4. Can lactic acid be beneficial for the body?

Yes, lactic acid can be beneficial for the body. It is an important source of energy during intense exercise, and it also plays a role in stimulating the production of growth hormone and boosting the immune system. However, too much lactic acid can lead to health issues such as lactic acidosis.

5. How does the body get rid of excess lactic acid?

The body gets rid of excess lactic acid through a process called lactate clearance. This involves the removal of lactate from the muscles and its conversion into glucose by the liver. It can also be excreted through sweat and urine.

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