Final answer:
The Cori cycle is not suitable for long-term energy production as it is an inefficient process that results in a net loss of ATP and is meant for short-term energy needs during anaerobic conditions leading to the production of lactate and eventual muscle fatigue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cori cycle is a physiological pathway that involves the conversion of lactate produced by anaerobic glycolysis in the muscle cells back into glucose in the liver, which can then be sent back to muscles to be used again for energy. However, this cycle is inefficient for long-term energy production because it does not yield a large amount of ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell. Additionally, the Cori cycle requires energy input from the liver to convert lactate back into glucose, a process known as gluconeogenesis, which means that not only does the cycle produce less energy than is put into it, but it also results in a net loss of ATP for the body.
During strenuous exercise, the demand for ATP in muscle cells is high and oxygen supply may be insufficient for aerobic respiration. Consequently, muscle cells resort to anaerobic glycolysis, leading to the production of lactic acid. Accumulation of lactic acid can contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness. Moreover, since glycolysis produces only two ATP molecules per glucose molecule, as opposed to the larger yield from aerobic respiration, it cannot sustain muscle activity for much longer than 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Therefore, the Cori cycle essentially acts as a short-term mechanism to keep glycolysis going until oxygen levels are restored for more efficient aerobic energy production.