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Multiple Choice
During aerobic exercise, why does the body increase oxygen delivery to the muscles?
A
To support increased ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation
B
To promote lactic acid fermentation in muscle cells
C
To convert oxygen directly into glucose
D
To decrease the rate of cellular respiration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Aerobic exercise involves sustained physical activity that requires increased energy production in the muscles. This energy is primarily generated through cellular respiration, specifically oxidative phosphorylation, which depends on oxygen availability.
Recall the role of oxygen in cellular respiration: Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a critical step in oxidative phosphorylation. Without sufficient oxygen, the process cannot proceed efficiently, and ATP production would decrease.
Eliminate incorrect options: Lactic acid fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), so it is not promoted during aerobic exercise. Oxygen is not directly converted into glucose; glucose is broken down during cellular respiration. Decreasing the rate of cellular respiration would reduce energy production, which is counterproductive during exercise.
Focus on the correct answer: During aerobic exercise, the body increases oxygen delivery to the muscles to support the higher demand for ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. This ensures that the muscles have enough energy to sustain their activity.
Summarize the physiological response: The body adapts to aerobic exercise by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and blood flow to deliver more oxygen to the muscles, enabling efficient ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.