Aerobic respiration, anaerobic glycolysis, and hydrolysis of phosphocreatine can all be used by vertebrate muscle cells to generate ATP during active periods. In what order are these mechanisms employed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During periods of active muscle use, vertebrate muscle cells first employ the hydrolysis of phosphocreatine due to its rapid availability of ATP. As the demand continues and phosphocreatine stores are depleted, cells then switch to anaerobic glycolysis, which can provide ATP quickly but less efficiently and with the production of lactate. Finally, if the activity persists, aerobic respiration becomes the primary source of ATP, as it is the most efficient way to produce ATP but requires oxygen and takes longer to initiate.

Aerobic Respiration, Anaerobic Glycolysis, and Hydrolysis of Phosphocreatine Can All