Biology word problem: When Eric returned from jogging he was breathing heavily and sweating profusely

Question

he complained that his legs ached and he felt weak. on the basis of energy pathways, i need to know the following: Why is Eric breathing so heavily? what ATP harvesting pathway have his working muscles been usingwhich leads to such breathing pattern? and lastly, What metabolic products might account for his sore muscles and his feelings of muscle weakness?? PLEASE HELP!!!!!

Answer 1

Partially anaerobic combustion of protein or carbohydrates which creates lactic acid.  I am not familiar with the details of the chemistry, however.

Answer 2

metabolic products that might account for it : Excess lactic acid (lactic acid buildup causes cramps)

Eric was utilizing incomplete glycolysis, or partial anaerobic respiration.. same thing.  Which produces less ATP per cycle, and is actually a fermentation reaction----this is why the lactic acid builds up.

Its complicated but look up the Krebb's Cycle for more info on it!.