If an elephant's cell were to lose ability to perform aerobic cellular respiration, would would most likely happen?
A)the cells would switch over to anaerobic respiration and the elephant would be fine.
b)the cells would switch over to lactic acid fermentation and the elephant would survive but would have achy muscles
c)the cells would swtich over to alcohol fermentation and the elephant would survive in a drunken stupor.
d)Tthe cells would die because the elephant's energy needs could not be met using anaerobic pathways.
e)the cells could live on stored energy for an extended period, and cellular respiration would not be necessary for several years.
I think the answer is either B. I don't think It's C, because alcohol is used for plants.
I don't think it's A either.
haha, hey, i've got the same question, this is due monday amirite? guess see you in class
To determine the most likely outcome, we need to understand how the loss of ability to perform aerobic cellular respiration would affect an elephant's cells. Let's break down the options:
A) The cells would switch over to anaerobic respiration and the elephant would be fine.
Anaerobic respiration is an alternative pathway that cells can use in the absence of oxygen. While it can sustain energy production for a short period, it is not as efficient as aerobic respiration. Therefore, it is unlikely that switching to anaerobic respiration alone would fully meet the energy needs of an elephant.
B) The cells would switch over to lactic acid fermentation and the elephant would survive but would have achy muscles.
Lactic acid fermentation is another type of anaerobic pathway that occurs in the absence of oxygen. It can generate limited energy but also produces lactic acid as a byproduct. Accumulation of lactic acid in muscles can cause fatigue and cramps, commonly known as muscle soreness. Though the elephant could survive, it would likely experience achy muscles due to lactic acid buildup.
C) The cells would switch over to alcohol fermentation, and the elephant would survive in a drunken stupor.
Alcohol fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in some microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce alcohol as a byproduct. It is not a pathway used by animal cells, including elephants. Therefore, it is not an appropriate outcome for this scenario.
D) The cells would die because the elephant's energy needs could not be met using anaerobic pathways.
This option implies that without aerobic cellular respiration, the cells would not be able to produce sufficient energy to support their functions. Since anaerobic pathways are less efficient, the elephant's cells would not thrive for an extended period without aerobic respiration. Therefore, this option is a likely outcome.
E) The cells could live on stored energy for an extended period, and cellular respiration would not be necessary for several years.
While cells can rely on stored energy reserves within the body for a limited period, they still require cellular respiration to convert these reserves into usable energy. Without aerobic cellular respiration, the cells would not be able to continue producing energy for an extended period, making this option unlikely.
Based on the above analysis, option D) The cells would die because the elephant's energy needs could not be met using anaerobic pathways is the most likely outcome.