Why must the oxygen debt be "paid off" following rigorous muscular activity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During rigorous muscular activity, the muscle cells rely on stored ATP and creatine phosphate to meet their energy needs. When these energy reserves are exhausted, the cells switch to anaerobic respiration, which produces lactic acid as a byproduct. In order to replenish the depleted creatine phosphate stores and convert the lactic acid back to glucose, oxygen is required. This process is known as the oxygen debt and must be "paid off" following the activity to restore the muscle cells' energy reserves and metabolic balance. Therefore, choice A is the best choice as it identifies the need to regenerate creatine phosphate, which is a key component of the oxygen debt.

Why Must the Oxygen Debt Be "Paid Off" Following Rigorous