Why do you find yourself gasping for breath after sprinting a short distance? (Hint: Explore 'oxygen debt' and identify the metabolic pathway that requires oxygen.)

• A. Because the body needs more oxygen to compensate for the carbon dioxide produced during exercise.
• B. Because the body is trying to cool down after physical exertion.
• C. Because the body needs extra oxygen post-exercise in order to convert accumulated lactic acid back into pyruvate and replenish ATP stores.
• D. Because the high breathing rate helps increase blood circulation.

Answer: (C)