A weightlifter is using heavy weights in short bursts for a competition. Because his muscle cells are not able to take in enough oxygen to make very much ATP the weightlifter begins to get fatigue in his muscles. Which of the following processes is most likely going on in the muscles of the weightlifter as he competes in his event? (SC.912.L.18.9)

Question

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1 point
As the cells run out of oxygen they switch to anaerobic respiration, which allows the cell to make small amounts of ATP in the absence of oxygen.
As the cells run out of oxygen, they die off gradually and the weightlifter's muscles have fewer contracting muscle cells.
The cells will never run out of oxygen if the weightlifter is breathing.
As the cells run out of oxygen, they will continue to make the same amount of ATP, since oxygen is not required to make ATP.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

As the cells run out of oxygen they switch to anaerobic respiration, which allows the cell to make small amounts of ATP in the absence of oxygen.

During intense physical activity, such as weightlifting, if the muscle cells do not have enough oxygen to support aerobic respiration, they switch to anaerobic respiration. This process allows for the production of ATP without oxygen, although it is much less efficient and leads to the production of lactic acid, which can contribute to muscle fatigue.