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- Source :
-
Scientific American . Apr2006, Vol. 294 Issue 4, p104-104. 1p. 1 Color Photograph. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- In this article, the author answers questions related to oil and gas fields and lactic acid. Oil and gas fields occur where they do because of plate tectonics, the shift over time of large plates on the surface of the earth. Oil is found where there were once ocean basins, rivers, swamps and deltas where the fossil fuels formed from microorganisms in the near complete absence of oxygen. Plate tectonics moved them to the deserts and poles largely do to coincidence. Lactic acid builds up in the muscles when the body is required to produce energy faster than it can deliver oxygen to the muscles. With a shortage of oxygen, pyruvate temporarily converts into a substance called lactate, high levels of which increase acidity in the muscle cells. The reduced capacity protects the muscle from damage until oxygen levels are restored and the lactate converts back into pyruvate.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00368733
- Volume :
- 294
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Scientific American
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- 20037725
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0406-104