Question

A weightlifter is using heavy weights in short bursts for a competition. Because his muscle cells are not able to take in enough oxygen to make very much ATP the weightlifter begins to get fatigue in his muscles. Which of the following processes is most likely going on in the muscles of the weightlifter as he competes in his event?

a. As the cells run out of oxygen they switch to anaerobic respiration, which allows the cell to make small amounts of ATP in the absence of oxygen.

b.The cells will never run out of oxygen if the weightlifter is breathing.

c.As the cells run out of oxygen, they die off gradually and the weightlifter's muscles have fewer contracting muscle cells.

d.As the cells run out of oxygen, they will continue to make the same amount of ATP, since oxygen is not required to make ATP.

Answer 1

The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Humans need energy to do work. The energy is normally obtain from the chemical energy that is derived from consumed food. During performance of physical activities, the amount of energy needed by the working muscles usually increases and this typically leads to fast depletion of energy. In order to augment the rapidly depleting energy, the muscle cells switch to anaerobic breakdown of glucose, which produce carbon dioxide and alcohol and a little quantity of energy, which the working muscles can use.