World-class sprinters typically do not breathe during the 9+ seconds it takes to complete a 100-meter race.What does this fact suggest about these runners' energy production?
A) It must be mitochondrial, with oxygen provided by one big breath at the beginning of the sprint.
B) It must be mitochondrial, with oxygen provided by circulating hemoglobin that is already saturated with oxygen.
C) It must be glycolytic; the process is entirely anaerobic and the race will be over before NADH+ reserves are depleted.
D) It must be fermentative, which explains why most sprinters experience cramping after the race ends.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the sprint is over in 9+ seconds and the runners do not breathe during the race, it suggests that their energy production must rely on glycolysis, which is an anaerobic process that does not require oxygen. This process produces ATP quickly but results in lactic acid buildup, which can cause muscle fatigue and cramping. Mitochondrial energy production would require oxygen, which would not be sustainable over the duration of the race without breathing. Fermentative energy production is not a viable explanation for world-class sprinters as it does not produce enough ATP to sustain the high power output required for sprinting.

World-Class Sprinters Typically Do Not Breathe During the 9+ Seconds