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Multiple Choice
What happens to animals that are deprived of oxygen during cellular respiration?
A
They convert glucose directly into carbon dioxide and water without producing ATP.
B
They increase the rate of aerobic respiration to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
C
They switch to anaerobic respiration, producing less ATP and accumulating lactic acid.
D
They begin to use photosynthesis to generate energy.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of oxygen in cellular respiration: Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during aerobic respiration. Without oxygen, the electron transport chain cannot function, and ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation halts.
Recognize the alternative pathway: When oxygen is unavailable, many animals switch to anaerobic respiration (fermentation) to generate energy. This process does not rely on oxygen and occurs in the cytoplasm.
Analyze the byproducts of anaerobic respiration: In animals, anaerobic respiration converts glucose into lactic acid instead of carbon dioxide and water. This process produces significantly less ATP compared to aerobic respiration.
Compare ATP production: Aerobic respiration generates approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, while anaerobic respiration produces only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. This is why anaerobic respiration is less efficient.
Understand the physiological impact: The accumulation of lactic acid in muscles during anaerobic respiration can lead to fatigue and soreness. This is a temporary solution for energy production until oxygen becomes available again.