Cardiac muscle relies on which process to produce ATP?

• A. Anaerobic glycolysis
• B. Fermentation
• C. Aerobic respiration
• D. Photosynthesis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cardiac muscle requires a continuous and efficient supply of ATP to function properly, as it is responsible for the constant pumping action of the heart.
2. Recognize that aerobic respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. This process occurs in the mitochondria and is highly efficient in producing ATP.
3. Consider the oxygen-rich environment of the heart, which is well-supplied with blood, making aerobic respiration the most suitable process for ATP production in cardiac muscle.
4. Compare aerobic respiration with anaerobic glycolysis and fermentation. Anaerobic glycolysis occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces less ATP, while fermentation is not a process used by cardiac muscle cells.
5. Conclude that due to the high energy demands and oxygen availability, cardiac muscle primarily relies on aerobic respiration to produce ATP efficiently.