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Multiple Choice
What molecule is produced during muscle fermentation that can lead to cramps?
A
Lactic acid
B
Ethanol
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Acetyl-CoA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that muscle fermentation occurs when oxygen levels are low, and cells switch to anaerobic respiration.
Recognize that during anaerobic respiration in muscle cells, glucose is broken down to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Identify that in the absence of oxygen, pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, is converted into another molecule to regenerate NAD+, which is essential for glycolysis to continue.
Recall that in muscle cells, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid during fermentation, which can accumulate and lead to muscle cramps.
Conclude that the molecule produced during muscle fermentation that can lead to cramps is lactic acid.