[Campbell Biology P.230] Based on recent research mentioned in the text, which statement abo... | Practice Question
Based on recent research mentioned in the text, which statement about lactate production in human muscle is TRUE?
A: Lactate is exclusively produced under anaerobic conditions when oxygen supply is low.
B: Lactate accumulation is the primary cause of muscle fatigue and pain experienced a day after intense exercise.
C: Red muscle cells preferentially oxidize glucose completely to CO2, while white muscle cells produce significant amounts of lactate.
D: Excess lactate in the body is primarily excreted through urine, contributing to its acidity.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: "One red muscle preferentially oxidizes glucose completely to CO2; the other white muscle produces significant amounts of lactate from the pyruvate made during glycolysis, even under aerobic conditions."