Explain why short bursts of anaerobic exercise is possible (in mammals), but impossible at longer durations? (4)

In the absence of oxygen, the anaerobic glycolysis pathway can occur, which produces roughly 1/15th of the normal yield of ATP from aerobic respiration, as well as two molecules of NADH (reduced NAD). Similarly, in short bursts of exercise, phosphocreatine is broken down in muscles to provide a temporary supply of ATP. Both of these short-term supplies of ATP allow for short durations of exercise, but over long term, the build up of lactic acid from this pathway causes muscle fatigue, as it is toxic, resulting in the inability to move these muscles due to spasm and cramp, making longer term exercise impossible anaerobically.

LD
Answered by Leo D. Biology tutor

1967 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the lac operon, and it's transcriptional control when the concentration of glucose is low, and the concentration of lactose is high.


Describe the processes of obtaining desired genes and their subsequent transfer into the cells of organisms.


Explain the process of aerobic respiration in animals


Describe the use of promoters in gene technology


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning