Oxygen is really important for our cells to get energy. When there isn't enough oxygen, cells can't work as well. They switch to a different way of getting energy called anaerobic respiration.
This method is not as effective. It only makes 2 ATP (the energy currency of cells) from each glucose molecule, instead of 36 ATP that aerobic respiration can produce. Because of this, a substance called lactic acid builds up in our muscles. This buildup can make us feel tired and can lead to muscle cramps.
To deal with these problems, living things can:
But depending too much on these changes won't last long. Over time, it can hurt how well our cells function.
Oxygen is really important for our cells to get energy. When there isn't enough oxygen, cells can't work as well. They switch to a different way of getting energy called anaerobic respiration.
This method is not as effective. It only makes 2 ATP (the energy currency of cells) from each glucose molecule, instead of 36 ATP that aerobic respiration can produce. Because of this, a substance called lactic acid builds up in our muscles. This buildup can make us feel tired and can lead to muscle cramps.
To deal with these problems, living things can:
But depending too much on these changes won't last long. Over time, it can hurt how well our cells function.