Question

Arl and Maria joined the cross-country team. They practiced long hours, running for miles every day. When they questioned the never-ending training, Coach Bill told them that their athletic performance would improve as they worked on endurance, running longer and longer distances. What cellular interactions are the result of their training, allowing for improved athletic performance? A) decreased muscle mass - increased proteins - decreased fat - glucose used for energy source
B) increased muscle mass - increased mitochondria - increased cellular respiration - increased ATP
C) decreased mass - less energy needed for movement - less carbohydrates required - more available ATP
D) decreased respiration rate - increased oxygen consumption - increased cellular respiration - increased energy

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B, that is, increased muscle mass - increased mitochondria - increased cellular respiration - increased ATP.  

The generation of ATP takes place inside mitochondria using energy stored in the food. Some cells exhibit more mitochondria than others. For example, the muscle cells have an ample amount of mitochondria that permits them to react promptly to the need for performing a function.  

Mitochondria are considered as the powerhouse of the cell, as they turn oxygen and nutrients into fuel for the body. The muscles need more mitochondria as they are functioning much harder in comparison to other cells like fat cells that make the fat cells to discharge energy gradually, on the other hand, the muscle cells do that much quicker.