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Carbon dioxide is produced during aerobic exercise - Edexcel - GCSE Physical Education - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
Carbon dioxide is produced during aerobic exercise. (a) Explain the importance of breathing out an increased amount of carbon dioxide during a long-distance race. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Carbon dioxide is produced during aerobic exercise - Edexcel - GCSE Physical Education - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the importance of breathing out an increased amount of carbon dioxide during a long-distance race.
Answer
During long-distance races, the body undergoes aerobic respiration to produce energy. This process generates carbon dioxide as a waste product. It is crucial for athletes to breathe out this excess carbon dioxide to prevent fatigue, as high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood can lead to an acidic environment, negatively impacting muscle function and performance.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why an elite 100 m sprinter may only breathe twice during a race.
Answer
The 100 m sprint is an anaerobic event, meaning it is performed at high intensity and short duration. Due to the explosive nature of the race, there is insufficient time to utilize oxygen for aerobic energy production. Elite sprinters predominantly rely on energy derived from anaerobic pathways, reducing the necessity for frequent breathing.