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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