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Multiple Choice
Which substance can cause a burning sensation in muscles that are worked intensely?
A
Carbon dioxide
B
Lactic acid
C
Glucose
D
Oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: When muscles are worked intensely, they may not receive enough oxygen to meet their energy demands. This leads to anaerobic respiration, a process where glucose is broken down without oxygen.
Recall the process of anaerobic respiration: In the absence of oxygen, glucose is converted into pyruvate through glycolysis. Pyruvate is then converted into lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) to regenerate NAD⁺, which is essential for glycolysis to continue.
Recognize the effect of lactic acid: Lactic acid accumulates in the muscle tissue during intense exercise, lowering the pH and causing a burning sensation due to increased acidity.
Eliminate incorrect options: Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of aerobic respiration, not anaerobic respiration. Glucose is the starting molecule for energy production, not the cause of the burning sensation. Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration and prevents lactic acid buildup.
Conclude that lactic acid is the substance responsible for the burning sensation in muscles during intense exercise due to its accumulation during anaerobic respiration.