Question detail
During vigorous exercise, oxygen supply to muscles may be limited. Which statement is correct?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Respiration
Question
- A. If oxygen is not available, muscle cells can respire anaerobically instead of using aerobic respiration.
- B. Muscle cells must stop all respiration as soon as oxygen is unavailable.
- C. Anaerobic respiration needs more oxygen than aerobic respiration during exercise.
- D. Aerobic respiration is the pathway used when there is no oxygen supply.
Answer
If oxygen is not available, muscle cells can respire anaerobically instead of using aerobic respiration. If oxygen is not available, muscle cells can switch to anaerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, but anaerobic respiration can release some energy without oxygen.
Explanation
The correct option is: If oxygen is not available, muscle cells can respire anaerobically instead of using aerobic respiration. This is an application of the oxygen-requirement comparison. The key exam distinction is not the product formed, but whether oxygen is needed: aerobic respiration uses oxygen, whereas anaerobic respiration does not. The distractors either reverse the oxygen/product/energy relationship or claim both types of respiration are the same, which is not accurate for AQA GCSE Biology.
Common mistake
Oxygen Requirement Confusion
Students often confuse the oxygen requirements of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, mistakenly stating that both processes require oxygen.
Emphasize that aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen. Use diagrams to illustrate the differences clearly.
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