Question

Lack of oxygen in muscles often leads to cramp among cricketers. This results due to

• A. Conversion of pyruvate to ethanol
• B. Conversion of pyruvate to glucose
• C. Non-conversion of glucose to pyruvate
• D. Conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid

The correct option is D:

Explanation of the correct option:

• The lack of oxygen in the muscles occurs when the oxygen demand is higher than its supply. It causes muscles to perform fermentation to generate the energy required for muscle contraction.
• The fermentation in the muscles results in the production of lactic acid by utilizing pyruvate molecules.
• Elevated levels of lactate or lactic acid in the bloodstream can result in muscle cramps in the cricketers.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

• The pyruvate is converted to lactic acid in muscles, not ethanol in the lack of oxygen.

Option B:

• The production of glucose from the pyruvate molecule does not cause muscle cramps.

Option C:

• Muscle cramps occur due to the fermentation of carbohydrates in the muscles. It involves the conversion of glucose into pyruvate that converts into acid.

Therefore, the muscle cramps in the cricketers occur due to the generation of lactic acid from the pyruvate molecule.