Final answer:
The goal/result of the Intercellular lactate shuttle is to transport lactate for energy use throughout the body. Lactate acts as a fuel, particularly during intense exercise, aiding in efficient energy production when oxygen supply might be limited.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal/result of the Intercellular lactate shuttle is c) Transport of lactate for energy. The shuttle helps in the transport of lactate produced in one cell through the bloodstream to other cells, where it can be utilized as a source of energy. Lactate, often generated during anaerobic glycolysis, can be used in the liver to produce glucose (gluconeogenesis) or taken up by mitochondria-rich cells like cardiomyocytes and converted back into pyruvate for further energy production via aerobic metabolism.
In this process, lactate acts as a fuel, ensuring energy substrate availability throughout the body, effectively conserving the energy that was initially invested in the production of lactate. This concept is critical for understanding the flexibility and efficiency of the body's energy systems, particularly during intense exercise when oxygen levels in muscle cells might not be sufficient for aerobic respiration. By utilizing the lactate shuttle, cells can maintain energy production efficiently.