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Question

Science Question on Respiration

Sometimes while running, athletes suffer from muscle cramps. Why? How is the respiration in this case different from aerobic respiration?

Answer

Muscle cramps during strenuous exercise like running can occur due to a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. This happens when the muscles don’t receive enough oxygen to meet their energy demands, leading to anaerobic respiration.
Difference from Aerobic Respiration:
Oxygen requirement: Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.
End products: Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, while anaerobic respiration in muscles produces lactic acid.
Energy yield: Aerobic respiration yields significantly more energy (ATP) than anaerobic respiration.