Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Life Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Life Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
When we exercise, our muscles need more energy to move. Normally, this energy comes from aerobic respiration, where glucose reacts with oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water:
But during very intense activity - like sprinting or lifting weights - the body can’t deliver oxygen to the muscles fast enough. When this happens, muscle cells temporarily switch to anaerobic respiration, which does not require oxygen.
In humans, anaerobic respiration converts glucose into lactic acid and energy:
This process provides quick energy but produces much less ATP. The buildup of lactic acid causes muscle fatigue and soreness. After exercise, the body uses oxygen to convert lactic acid back into energy, explaining why breathing remains heavy for several minutes after you stop moving.
This demonstrates how chemical reactions in cells rearrange matter (glucose → lactic acid) and how energy flow adjusts based on oxygen levels - maintaining life functions even under stress.
Graph of Information - Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Which observation provides evidence that muscles switch to a different form of energy production during intense exercise?
Using the graphs and Table 1, describe the relationship between exercise intensity and lactic acid concentration in muscle tissue.
Explain why muscle fatigue occurs when lactic acid levels become too high.
Compare oxygen levels in the muscles at rest and during intense exercise. What pattern do you observe, and how does this relate to energy production?
Which system helps restore oxygen levels after exercise so lactic acid can be removed?
Does the data support the claim that lactic acid buildup is linked to anaerobic respiration?
Claim:
Evidence:
Reasoning: