Video Transcript
Which of the following is a
disadvantage of having lactic acid in the body? (A) If it’s not broken down, lactic
acid can cause pain in the bones. (B) If it’s not broken down, lactic
acid can cause the muscles to become more alkaline. (C) There are no disadvantages of
having lactic acid in the body. (D) If it is not broken down,
lactic acid can cause pain in muscles and muscle cramps. (E) If it is not broken down,
lactic acid can change the shape of red blood cells.
We are asked in this question about
lactic acid. Lactic acid is a waste product of
anaerobic respiration in animal cells. Anaerobic respiration is the body’s
backup system for cellular respiration when inhalation cannot meet the muscle cells’
requirements for oxygen. This process does have some
disadvantages, one of which is the accumulation of lactic acid in the body as a
by-product of this reaction.
But why is it a disadvantage to
have a buildup of this acid in the body? Well, some scientists suggest that
the buildup of lactic acid is what causes pain during and after strenuous
activity. This occurs at the site of lactic
acid production, the muscles. Lactic acid can eventually be
removed from the system by a reaction with oxygen, which forms carbon dioxide and
water.
So one of the disadvantages of
anaerobic respiration in humans is that it produces lactic acid, which has the
effect of causing pain in the muscles. Therefore, the correct answer to
the question is (D). If it is not broken down, lactic
acid can cause pain in muscles and muscle cramps.
