Since Adonis was unable lift the dumbbell, he decided to use the exercise bike for a cardiovascular workout. During maximum exertion on the exercise bike, Adonis began to breathe heavily and felt 'the burn' in his legs. The skeletal muscles of his legs were using primarily which form of respiration at maximum exertion?
Correct Answer: d
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glycolysis. During maximum exertion, skeletal muscles rely on glycolysis to quickly generate ATP without oxygen. This process breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP. Since Adonis was feeling 'the burn' in his legs, it indicates the accumulation of lactic acid from glycolysis. Choice A (Aerobic respiration) requires oxygen and is not efficient during high-intensity exercise. Choices B (Electron transport chain) and C (Oxidative phosphorylation) are part of aerobic respiration and occur in mitochondria, which are less active during intense exercise compared to glycolysis.