Question

During and after strenuous workout in a gym, what makes the body muscles ache?

• A. Less oxygen supply
• B. Production of glucose
• C. Less oxidation of glucose
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Human cells normally respire aerobically. However, during vigorous exercise, muscle cells have to do extra work and therefore need more oxygen than what the respiratory system can supply. This is attained by the muscle cells by respiring anaerobically (less oxygen). In this strategy, energy is still produced but in smaller amount (150 kJ) for each molecule of glucose. This will enable the cells to continue to contract and relax. In this condition, glucose is not fully oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, rather it forms lactic acids. This causes muscles to ache severely and prevents tissues from oxygen deprivation.