During high intensity exercise what might limit the ATP production from anaerobic glycolysis?

Answer 1

In anaerobic glycolysis, pyruvate is used as the terminal electron acceptor, producing lactate -- this is necessary because NAD+ needs to be regenerated. In this way, pyruvate can limit ATP production if there are insufficient levels -- however, lactate accumulation can also limit ATP production if it accrues to a level that is excessively toxic to tissues.

Answer 2

Wow. I haven't thought of anerobic glycolysis since medical school.

I will try to answer off the top of my head, but I will surely get back to you in a few hours with a more detailed answer.

Looking at it from a chemical point of view. ATP is a product which is the result of specific ingredients the process of which is catalyzed by specific enzymes. If there is any deficiency in the ingredients and something impeding the function of the enzymes, then it would logically limit the production of ATP.

So since it is anaerobic glycolysis, build up of lactic acid might slow the production of ATM. Will have to review my biochem.

Answer 3

Under aerobic conditions, pyruvate in most cells is further metabolized via the TCA cycle. Under anaerobic conditions and in erythrocytes under aerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted to lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the lactate is transported out of the cell into the circulation. The conversion of pyruvate to lactate, under anaerobic conditions, provides the cell with a mechanism for the oxidation of NADH (produced during the G3PDH reaction) to NAD+; which occurs during the LDH catalyzed reaction. This reduction is required since NAD+ is a necessary substrate for G3PDH, without which glycolysis will cease. Normally, during aerobic glycolysis the electrons of cytoplasmic NADH are transferred to mitochondrial carriers of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway generating a continuous pool of cytoplasmic NAD+.
Aerobic glycolysis generates substantially more ATP per mole of glucose oxidized than does anaerobic glycolysis. The utility of anaerobic glycolysis to a muscle cell when it needs large amounts of energy stems from the fact that the rate of ATP production from glycolysis is approximately 100X faster than from oxidative phosphorylation. During exertion muscle cells do not need to energize anabolic reaction pathways. The requirement is to generate the maximum amount of ATP, for muscle contraction, in the shortest time frame. This is why muscle cells derive almost all of the ATP consumed during exertion from anaerobic glycolysis.

Loads more information at the link provided.

Answer 4

Anaerobic respiration in muscle under periods of intense exercise has no external electron acceptor. This is under the strict definition a type of fermentation. Lactic acid limits ATP production..

Answer 5

Lack of O2