During a short, intense event like a 100 meter dash, the primary cellular respiration pathway that will take place is anaerobic respiration, specifically lactic acid fermentation.
This is because the sprint requires quick bursts of energy that exceed the oxygen supply available to the muscles. In this scenario, the body relies on the stored ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and then quickly shifts to anaerobic glycolysis to produce ATP.
In anaerobic glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, which is then converted into lactic acid when oxygen levels are insufficient. This process allows for rapid ATP production, but it cannot be sustained for long due to the accumulation of lactic acid, which contributes to muscle fatigue.
In summary, for a 100 meter sprint, the cellular respiration pathway primarily involved is anaerobic respiration (lactic acid fermentation).