Lactic+acid

=Lactic Acid =

By: Royce

Basic Information
Discovered in 1780 by a [|Karl Wilhelm Scheele], a Swedish chemist. It is made in muscle cells as a product of [|Anaerobic Respiration], when oxygen can't be used to provide energy for muscle cells glucose is oxidized to take the place of the oxygen and provide energy for the muscle cells. It is typically produced when excercising, but stays in the body for a short time as it is low in concentration, the body metabolizes it and produces energy, water, and carbon dioxide.

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Another way to produce lactic acid is the [|fermentation] process of yeast. Yeast uses very similar enzymes to the muscle cells, which creates the isomers of lactic acid. ([]) It is also often synthesized in a factory, and added into many food and skin products.=====

Uses

 * 1) Used in dyeing
 * 2) Can be used as a solvent for dyes, that are not soluable in water
 * 3) Leather making
 * 4) Used in making certain plastics

Misconceptions
Many people who typically talk about lactic acid are athletes, and those involved in athletics. Many believe it is a cause of fatigue in athletes, but it actually helps to prevent fatigue, due to it breaking down glucose to provide energy to an athletes body. The fatigue and soreness felt is actually muscle damage due to overuse.([])

Links:
"Lactic Acid" 21 Nov. 2009 [] "Lactic Acid" 21 Nov. 2009 [] "Lactic Acid Basic Information" 21 Nov. 2009 []

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