A sportsman, after a long break of his routine exercise, suffered muscular cramps during a heavy exercise session. This happened due to:
(a) lack of carbon dioxide and formation of pyruvate.
(b) presence of oxygen and formation of ethanol.
(c) lack of oxygen and formation of lactic acid.
(d) lack of oxygen and formation of carbon dioxide.
Answer:
(c) lack of oxygen and formation of lactic acid.
During heavy exercise, the glucose breakdown increases because of the increased demand of energy. However, there is not enough oxygen, so glucose breaks down anaerobically to produce lactic acid. The lactic acid accumulates in the muscles and is responsible for muscle cramps.
