We Breathe More Quickly and Deeply When We Exercise

Question

We breathe more quickly and deeply when we exercise. Why does this make sense?
A)Because when we exercise, we consume more CO2and must increase ventilation to supply the CO2.
B)Because when we exercise, we use more ATP, and additional O2is necessary to generate sufficient ATP.
C)Because when we exercise, we hydrolyze more ATP to ADP and Pi, and O2is necessary for the hydrolysis, so we increase our intake of oxygen.
D)Because when we exercise, we produce more CO2and increased ventilation is necessary to rid ourselves of CO2.

Accepted Answer

When we exercise, our muscles require more ATP for energy, which is produced through aerobic respiration that requires more oxygen (B). Additionally, exercise increases CO2 production as a byproduct of metabolism, and increased ventilation helps expel this excess CO2 (D).