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How should specimens of Ammonia, Pyruvate, and Lactic acid be kept?

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Final answer:

Specimens of Ammonia should be stored in tightly sealed containers at room temperature and handled with good ventilation, while Pyruvate and Lactic acid can be frozen at ultra-low temperatures for long-term stability. Lactic acid accumulation during exercise is related to the Cori Cycle for metabolic processes involving oxygen and glucose. Understanding the kinetics of compounds like ammonia is crucial for proper storage and handling.

Step-by-step explanation:

Specimens of Ammonia (NH3), Pyruvate, and Lactic acid should be stored with careful consideration for their chemical stability and safety. Ammonia is typically stored in tightly sealed containers at room temperature but should be handled in areas with good ventilation due to its toxicity and pungent smell. For long-term storage, freezing at ultra-low temperatures (around -70°C or lower) is suitable for biological specimens, including pyruvate and lactic acid containing samples, to prevent decomposition and maintain their integrity. Additionally, lactic acid is often involved in muscle metabolism; it accumulates during exercise and can be later converted back to pyruvate in well-oxygenated muscle cells.

The balance of oxygen and the buildup of lactic acid are also related to the biochemical pathways such as the Cori Cycle, where the excess lactic acid transported to the liver is eventually converted to glucose when oxygen is available. The rate at which a compound like ammonia decomposes, as well as the production rates of nitrogen and hydrogen, are components of chemical kinetics, a critical aspect of chemistry that describes the speed of chemical reactions.

For example, if the rate of decomposition of ammonia (NH3) at 1150 K is 2.10 × 10-6 mol/L/s, this kinetic information helps in determining the conditions under which the compound should be stored and handled.

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