Sports physiologists at an Olympic training center wanted to monitor athletes to determine at what point their muscles were functioning anaerobically. They could do this by checking for a buildup of which of the following compounds?

• A. ATP
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. ADP
• D. Oxygen
• E. Lactate

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that muscles function anaerobically when they lack sufficient oxygen to meet energy demands through aerobic respiration.
2. Recognize that during anaerobic respiration, the body relies on glycolysis for ATP production, which leads to the conversion of pyruvate into lactate.
3. Identify that the buildup of lactate in the muscles is a key indicator of anaerobic metabolism, as it occurs when oxygen is insufficient for complete aerobic respiration.
4. Consider the options provided: ATP, Carbon dioxide, ADP, Oxygen, and Lactate. Note that lactate is the byproduct of anaerobic metabolism.
5. Conclude that monitoring lactate levels in athletes can help determine when their muscles are functioning anaerobically, as it accumulates when oxygen is limited.