Question
After running for several minutes leg muscles began to ache. This ache was caused by a high concentration of lactic acid in the muscles. (a) The equation shows how lactic acid is made. glucose __ lactic acid (+energy) Name the process that makes lactic acid in the athlete's muscles.
Answer
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Irving
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
Anaerobic respiration
Explanation
Lactic acid is produced in muscle tissues during strenuous exercise when oxygen supplies run low. The enzymatic breakdown of glucose (sugar) by conversion to pyruvate via a process known as glycolysis, followed by further conversion to lactic acid, allows energy to be released which fuels the muscle contraction. The given equation is a simplification of this process: glucose is broken down to lactic acid, with energy released as a byproduct in the absence of sufficient oxygen, where anaerobic conditions take over – a state known as 'anaerobic respiration'. The given question asks for the name of the process that results in the formation of lactic acid. This is called anaerobic respiration – a part of cellular respiration where the high energy molecule ATP is produced, which fuels the cells' activities. This process is called 'anaerobic' because it does not require oxygen. When the supply of oxygen to confer energy to fuel an athletic performance better does not suffice, conversion of glucose to lactic acid occurs to continue energy supply.