Lactic Acid Fermentation

Question 1

What causes lactic acid fermentation?

Answer 1

During strenuous exercise, muscle cells respire glucose faster than oxygen can be supplied. Under those anaerobic conditions, oxidative respiration slows down and lactic acid fermentation begins

Question 2

Describe lactic acid fermentation

Answer 2

NADH produced during glycolysis is sacrificed and transfers its H atoms to pyruvate turning it into lactate (lactic acid). Lactate is transferred back into the liver where it can then be turned back into pyruvate. Once in this form, it goes into the Kreb’s cycle and cellular respiration resumes

Question 3

Describe oxygen debt

Answer 3

The extra oxygen required to catabolize lactate to CO2 and H2O in lactic acid fermentation

Question 4

What causes muscle stiffness, cramps, and fatigue?

Answer 4

Accumulation of lactic acid and the breaking down of muscle fibres

Question 5

Show a diagram of lactic acid fermentation

Question 6

Describe the efficiency of lactic acid fermentation

Answer 6

In this entire process only 2 ATP is produced (through SLP), therefore lactic acid fermentation is only 2.2% efficient

Question 7

Show the chain ofmacromolecule digestion, digestion products, cellular respiration, and ultimate metabolic products