Accumulation of which one of the following in the muscles of sprinters

Accumulation of which one of the following in the muscles of sprinters leads to cramp?

[amp_mcq option1=”Lactic acid” option2=”Ethanol” option3=”Pyruvic acid” option4=”Glucose” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2018

The correct answer is A) Lactic acid.

During intense physical activity like sprinting, muscles may not receive enough oxygen to perform aerobic respiration. In such anaerobic conditions, muscle cells convert glucose into lactic acid through a process called anaerobic glycolysis. The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle tissue lowers the pH and can lead to muscle fatigue, soreness, and cramps.

Pyruvic acid is an intermediate product in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration; in the absence of sufficient oxygen, pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid. Ethanol is produced by fermentation in some organisms (like yeast) but not by human muscles. Glucose is the primary fuel source, not the waste product causing cramps.

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