Trematol is a metabolic poison derived from the white snake root. Cows eating this plant concentrate the poison in their milk. The poison inhibits liver enzymes that convert lactic acid to other compounds for metabolism. Why does physical exertion increase symptoms of poisoning by trematol? Why does the pH of the blood decrease in a person who has digested trematol?

A.	Physical exertion would increase the production of latic acid by fermentation, and the build up of lactic acid decreases blood pH when liver enzymes are blocked.
B.

The Biology Project
University of Arizona
Tuesday, August 20, 1996
Contact the Development Team

http://www.biology.arizona.edu
All contents copyright © 1996. All rights reserved.