Final answer:
The change in lactate concentration affects the pH of the blood in muscle tissue. Lactic acid produced during exercise is neutralized in the bloodstream, leading to the production of carbonic acid. Breathing helps regulate blood pH by removing or retaining carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in lactate concentration affects the pH of the blood in muscle tissue due to the production of lactic acid. When we exercise, lactic acid is produced in our muscles. As it enters the bloodstream, it is neutralized by the HCO3- ion, producing H2CO3. An enzyme then breaks down the excess carbonic acid to carbon dioxide and water, which can be eliminated through breathing.
The regulation of blood pH involves the carbonate buffering system and breathing. If the blood pH decreases too much, an increase in breathing removes CO2 from the blood through the lungs, lowering the concentration of H3O+ and increasing the pH. On the other hand, if the blood is too alkaline, a decrease in breathing increases CO2 concentration, driving the equilibrium reaction the other way, increasing H+ and restoring an appropriate pH.
Therefore, a change in lactate concentration affects the pH of the blood in muscle tissue by influencing the production of carbonic acid, which can be regulated through breathing to maintain the appropriate blood pH.