Question

If an organism is phosphorus (P) deficient, which of the following could potentially occur as a result of lacking this essential nutrient and why?

A) Inability to digest carbohydrates because the pancreas is not making enough insulin
B) Increase in muscle contraction frequency because ATP is not being used to make ADP
C) Muscle fatigue and weakness because ADP is not being regenerated to ATP
D) Decrease in lactic acid production because there is not enough oxygen present

Answer 1

A phosphorus deficiency in an organism leads to muscle fatigue and weakness because ADP cannot be converted back into ATP, which is crucial for energy transfer and muscle function. Option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an organism is phosphorus (P) deficient, the most likely outcome would be muscle fatigue and weakness because ADP is not being regenerated to ATP, hence the correct answer to the given options is C) Muscle fatigue and weakness because ADP is not being regenerated to ATP.

Phosphorus is a vital component of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, which is necessary for numerous cellular processes, including muscle contractions. Without sufficient phosphorus, ATP cannot be formed from ADP and inorganic phosphate, leading to a decrease in available energy, contributing to muscle fatigue and weakness. Therefore, the deficiency of phosphorus significantly affects the body's ability to produce ATP, and, as a result, compromises muscle function and overall energy metabolism.