Final answer:
The oxidative system is most affected by altitude due to its dependence on oxygen for ATP production. Anaerobic systems are less impacted because they do not rely on oxygen. Adaptations in some high-altitude populations enable them to maintain oxidative phosphorylation at reduced levels even in oxygen-limited environments.option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metabolic system most affected by altitude is the c. oxidative system, also known as oxidative phosphorylation. This process relies heavily on the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. At high altitudes, where oxygen levels are significantly lower, this system is compromised, leading to a decrease in the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Aerobic metabolism, which depends on oxidative phosphorylation, is the primary energy source for sustained activities such as running a marathon. Anaerobic metabolism, such as the anaerobic glycolytic system in the muscles of a sprinter, does not rely on oxygen and is thus less affected by altitude.
Individuals who are adapted to high altitudes, like the Andean populations, may possess genetic variations that help their bodies better respond to lower oxygen levels. This reflects an evolutionary adaptation where oxidative phosphorylation can continue even under oxygen-limited conditions, although at a reduced efficiency compared to sea level conditions.