New Biosensors, Applied Like a Temporary Tattoo to the Skin

question 68

Multiple Choice

New biosensors, applied like a temporary tattoo to the skin, can alert serious athletes that they are about to "hit the wall" and will find it difficult to continue exercising. These biosensors monitor lactate, a form of lactic acid, released in sweat during strenuous exercise. Which of the statements below is the best explanation of why athletes would need to monitor lactate levels?

• A) During aerobic respiration, muscle cells cannot produce enough lactate to fuel muscle cell contractions, and muscles begin to cramp, thus athletic performance suffers.
• B) During anaerobic respiration, lactate levels increase when muscles cells need more energy; however, muscles cells eventually fatigue, thus athletes should modify their activities to increase aerobic respiration.
• C) During aerobic respiration, muscles cells produce too much lactate, which causes a rise in the pH of the muscle cells, thus athletes must consume increased amounts of sports drinks, high in electrolytes, to buffer the pH.
• D) During anaerobic respiration, muscle cells receive too little oxygen and begin to convert lactate to pyruvate (pyruvic acid), thus athletes experience cramping and fatigue.

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Definitions:

Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with extremely long wavelengths caused by large-scale disturbances such as underwater earthquakes, volcanoes, or landslides.

Ground Ruptures

Cracks or breaks in the Earth's surface caused by seismic activity, such as earthquakes, which can lead to significant damage to the built environment.

Seismic Station

A facility equipped with seismographs and other instruments to detect and record earthquakes and other ground vibrations.

Epicenter

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake, where the seismic waves are felt most strongly.