Final answer:
The Cori cycle's conversion of lactate to glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver is true, playing an essential role in energy balance and blood sugar regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Cori cycle converts lactate produced in muscle into glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver is true. During strenuous exercise when oxygen is scarce, muscle cells convert glycogen into pyruvate through glycolysis which then leads to the formation of lactate.
This lactate travels via the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted back into glucose through gluconeogenesis. This newly synthesized glucose is then released into the bloodstream, where it can be taken up by muscle cells to replenish their glycogen stores or to be used directly for energy. The Cori cycle is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels and for the elimination of lactic acid from muscles. This cyclical process plays a vital role in maintaining energy homeostasis during periods of increased muscular activity or fasting.