WAEC Biology 2012 Question 7

Question 7

Respiration

The muscle cell fluid of an athlete was tested immediately after a 100 m race and was found to contain a high concentration of lactic acid. Explain what could have caused this. The

  1. A.athlete must have eaten food containing lactic acid just before the race.
  2. B.Athlete must have injected lactic acid into his blood just before the race
  3. C.athlete's muscle must have carried out anaerobic respiration during the race.
  4. D.athlete must have inhaled lactic acid from the environment during the race.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (athlete's muscle must have carried out anaerobic respiration during the race.)

Explanation

In a sprint the muscles need energy faster than oxygen can arrive, so they respire anaerobically and lactic acid builds up.