AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During anaerobic respiration, lactic acid is produced. This happens when the demand for energy is more and supply of oxygen is less, mainly during heavy exercise. The lactic acid thus formed is broken down by the supply of oxygen.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lactic acid produced in muscle cells is transported through the bloodstream to the liver, where it’s converted back to pyruvate and processed normally in the remaining reactions of cellular respiration.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your liver and kidneys filter lactic acid out of your blood and break it down into glucose (blood sugar).

Detailed explanation-4: -However, it is a misconception that humans and other multicellular organisms use only aerobic respiration. This is disproven by the fact that our muscles, during vigorous exercises, undergo anaerobic respiration, where lactic acid is produced as the waste byproduct instead of carbon dioxide.

Detailed explanation-5: -Anaerobic respiration releases less energy than aerobic respiration but it does this more quickly. The product of this reaction is lactic acid. This builds up in muscles causing pain and tiredness, which can lead to cramp.