KA8- Energy Systems In Muscle Sells

Question 1

Lactate metabolism

Answer 1

During vigorous exercise, the muscle cells do not get sufficient oxygen to support the electron transport chain.
Under these conditions, pyruvate is converted to lactate.

Question 2

Muscle fatigue

Answer 2

Lactate accumulates and muscle fatigue occurs.
The oxygen debt is repaid when exercise is complete.
This allows respiration to provide the energy to convert lactate back to pyruvate and glucose in the liver.

Question 3

Types of skeletal muscle fibres

Answer 3

Most human muscle tissue contains a mixture of both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibres.
Athletes show distinct patterns of muscle fibres that reflect their sporting activities