Question

Sometimes while running, athletes suffer from muscle cramps. Why? How is the respiration in this case different from aerobic respiration?

Answer 1

Muscle cramps during strenuous exercise like running can occur due to a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. This happens when the muscles don’t receive enough oxygen to meet their energy demands, leading to anaerobic respiration.
Difference from Aerobic Respiration:
Oxygen requirement: Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.
End products: Aerobic respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, while anaerobic respiration in muscles produces lactic acid.
Energy yield: Aerobic respiration yields significantly more energy (ATP) than anaerobic respiration.