The following show two samples of how to respond to exam questions:

1. Explain the effect of endurance training on VO2max and the lactate threshold in an
endurance-trained athlete.

It can be assumed that the chronically trained endurance athlete will see little additional
improvements after the first 6-12 months of training in the general muscle structure and
neuromuscular coordination, or VO2max.

VO2max is trainable up to a certain point (see the figure above you have learnt about this
last year), whereas after this point is reached, the lactate threshold can continue to increase
with further training (please see below note a right shift in the curve depicts
improvements in endurance performance)
.

2. The following questions pertain to exercise-induced metabolic acidosis:

a) The development of acidosis during intense exercise is explained by the increased

production of lactic acid. True/False? Explain your answer.

False.

The LDH reaction consumes protons (figure shown but not required to be reproduced
in an exam):
 Lactate production slows down a developing metabolic acidosis
o Lactate efflux from muscle cells assists proton efflux into blood

b) When the exercise intensity increases beyond steady state (e.g., at maximal exercise),
how is the need for greater ATP regeneration achieved?
Through the LDH reaction (referring to the figure above) by regenerating the co-
enzyme NAD, so that glycolysis can continue and allow continued ATP regeneration.

Identify the principal source that contributes to the metabolic acidosis of exercise.
By way of ATP hydrolysis, protons are generated and form the major source of
H+ ions.

The above would be whats expected in your answers. But I have provided additional
information to give some background explanations:
When O2 demand exceeds supply, protons (coming from NADH2 and FADH2)
accumulate when the turnover of protons in the ETC is not fast enough to remove
them.
Glycogenolysis and glycolysis are activated and therefore generate much NADH,
which saturates the ETC system, and add to the spillover of protons.
To continue to provide more ATP much needed for extended exercise and
performance, the activation of LDH reaction will come to the rescue to producing
more ATP.
But as more ATP are broken down (through ATP hydrolysis within glycolysis),
protons are generated and form the major source of H+ ions.