Question

1. two soccer teams, the bears and the panthers, played games at the same time in two different locations. the bears game was played at sea level, where there is a normal amount of oxygen. before their game, the players on the bears ate a lunch of mostly starch. the panthers game was played at very high altitude, where there is less oxygen. the players on the panthers ate a lunch of starch and protein. which team probably did better in their game? a the bears probably did better because their cells released energy from oxygen reacting with glucose, which was broken down from starch in the digestive system. b the panthers probably did better because their cells released energy from breaking down protein in the digestive system, which then combined with oxygen in cells. c the teams did equally well because their digestive systems just need to break down starch into glucose for cells to release energy. d the teams did equally well because glucose from starch can react with oxygen or proteins to release energy.

Explanation:

• Starch is broken down into glucose in the digestive system.
• Glucose reacts with oxygen in cells through cellular respiration to release energy ($C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2

ightarrow6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{energy}$).

• The Bears had a normal amount of oxygen and ate starch (source of glucose).
• Proteins are not the main source of energy for cells during normal - activity (like a soccer game). Proteins are mainly used for building and repairing tissues. And the Panthers had less oxygen which would hinder the efficient release of energy from glucose (if they had enough glucose from starch digestion, but the oxygen - limitation is a problem). Also, the Panthers' diet included protein which is not as readily used for energy as glucose.

Answer:

A. The Bears probably did better because their cells released energy from oxygen reacting with glucose, which was broken down from starch in the digestive system.