Question

Describe the normal biochemical and/or physiological process of Anaerobic glycolysis and identify how it confers a benefit to an organism in dealing with an environmental stressor. Next, explain why an over-active response could become a biochemical or physiological issue. Give an example of an organism that this issue of “too much of a good thing” relates to, specifying the benefits and costs. Does the example organism you chose successfully deal with the potential for an over-active response, or not? What is the outcome?

Answer 1

In humans, our cells use anaerobic glycolysis method to cope with anoxia or lack of oxygen availability to the cell. This is a survival mechanism for cells to cope with temporary stress for a short duration. If the stress persists, cells possibly die off. Unlikely to this, tumor cells majorly prefer anaerobic respiration and lack/ presence of oxygen doesn't influence this process. This allows cancer cells to multiply enormously regardless of O2 availability.

Here is a diagrammatic explanation.

This is an example of a disadvantage when some process is used excessively.