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Question #46008
The Question
A metabolic toxin selectively inhibits the malate-aspartate shuttle in mammalian skeletal muscles, forcing a shift towards anaerobic respiration to maintain ATP levels. Which of the following correctly identifies the systemic compensatory response and its effect on respiratory capacities?
Options
- A.
Increased H+ concentration stimulates the aortic and carotid bodies, inducing tachypnea which effectively reduces Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) to accelerate gas exchange.
- B.
The chemosensitive area adjacent to the respiratory rhythm center detects the resulting hypoxia, triggering hyperventilation and increasing Vital Capacity (VC).
- C.
Elevated blood lactate directly stimulates the pneumotaxic center in the pons, causing prolonged inspirations and an increase in Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV).
- D.
Increased pCO2 generated directly from anaerobic glycolysis is detected by peripheral chemoreceptors, leading to rapid breathing and an elevated Residual Volume (RV).
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Inspiratory Capacity|Malate-Aspartate Shuttle|ATP Synthesis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating cellular metabolism (Respiration in Plants/Animals) with systemic physiology (Breathing and Exchange of Gases).
The question deploys two major NCERT-based traps: 1) The 'Fermentation Trap' - students often assume anaerobic respiration always produces CO2, forgetting that mammalian muscle produces lactic acid without decarboxylation. 2) The 'Hypoxia Trap' - NCERT explicitly states the role of O2 in respiratory rhythm regulation is quite insignificant, yet students intuitively select it.
Finally, it tests the mechanical understanding that forced exhalations during tachypnea utilize ERV, thereby reducing FRC.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Respiratory Volume vs. Capacity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |