Question

After running a marathon, a runner has muscle pain and cramping. What might have occurred in the muscle cells to cause this?

Short answer

Lactate produced from the pyruvate during the running causes muscle pain

Step-by-step solution

Given information

We need to find the cause of muscle pain and cramps after running a marathon

Explanation

We know that

Running a marathon, like any rigorous exercise, rapidly depletes the oxygen stored in muscle cells. Pyruvate is converted to lactate in anaerobic circumstances. Lactate buildup causes muscle soreness and cramping, among other symptoms.