If muscle cells in the human body consume O₂ faster than it can be supplied, which of the following is likely to result?

• A. The muscle cells will have more trouble making enough ATP to meet their energy requirements.
• B. The cells will not be able to carry out oxidative phosphorylation.
• C. The cells will consume glucose at an increased rate.
• D. Only the first two answers are correct.
• E. The first three answers are correct.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that muscle cells require oxygen (O2) for aerobic respiration, which is the process of producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.
2. Recognize that if O2 is consumed faster than it can be supplied, the cells will not have enough oxygen to efficiently carry out oxidative phosphorylation, leading to a reduced production of ATP.
3. Since oxidative phosphorylation is impaired, the muscle cells will rely more on anaerobic pathways, such as glycolysis, to produce ATP. This results in an increased consumption of glucose to meet energy demands.
4. Identify that the lack of sufficient ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation and the increased rate of glucose consumption are both consequences of insufficient oxygen supply.
5. Conclude that all three statements are correct: the muscle cells will struggle to produce enough ATP, oxidative phosphorylation will be hindered, and glucose consumption will increase.