An individual who was previously sedentary decides to train for a 5-mile race. Over the course of several weeks, his running feels much easier and he is able to run for longer periods of time before experiencing fatigue. Which of the following cellular adaptations can explain his improvement? a) Increased mitochondria in adipose cells
b) Increased intramuscular storage of ATP
c) Decreased storage of glycogen in skeletal muscle
d) Decreased lactic acid production in skeletal muscle
e) Increased levels of enzymes needed for aerobic cellular respiration

a) Increased mitochondria in adipose cells

d) Decreased lactic acid production in skeletal muscle

e) Increased levels of enzymes needed for aerobic cellular respiration

Explanation:

It has been shown that an increased metabolic rate in adipocytes activates the expression of target genes associated with increased mitochondrial content, thereby leading towards an oxidative phenotype.

The lactic acid generated during glycolysis in muscle contraction increases the cellular PH and leads to a fatigue state. Nonetheless, regular physical exercise is known to decrease acid lactic production, increasing physical resistance.  

Finally, it has been shown that enzymes associated with aerobic cellular respiration may be increased by physical training. Enzymes involved in the cellular respiration process include dehydrogenases such as isocitrate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.

a. the production of carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis