In Comparison with the Resting State, Actively Contracting Human Muscle

Question

In comparison with the resting state, actively contracting human muscle tissue has a: A) higher concentration of ATP. B) higher rate of lactate formation. C) lower consumption of glucose. D) lower rate of consumption of oxygen E) lower ratio of NADH to NAD⁺.

Accepted Answer

Actively contracting muscle tissue has a higher rate of lactate formation due to the increased demand for ATP during muscle contraction. This leads to an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, which produces lactate as a byproduct. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because while ATP is utilized during muscle contraction, the concentration may actually decrease due to its use. Option C is incorrect because glucose is the primary fuel source for muscle contraction and is consumed at a higher rate. Option D is incorrect because muscle contraction requires a higher rate of oxygen consumption to produce ATP, not a lower rate. Option E is incorrect because it does not make physiological sense and is not directly related to muscle contraction.