Question

written-response question #2
guillermo was finding it difficult to walk up the steps to his familys apartment. his doctor thinks that his cells might not be getting enough oxygen or glucose.
why does having low levels of glucose or oxygen in his cells make it difficult for guillermo to walk up steps? which body systems should the doctor test in order to find out whether guillermos cells are getting enough oxygen and glucose and why?

Explanation:

Cells need oxygen and glucose for cellular respiration (the process that produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell). When there is a lack of these substances, less ATP is produced. Walking up steps requires energy (ATP) for muscle contraction. For oxygen, the respiratory system (to check gas exchange in lungs) and circulatory system (to check oxygen - carrying capacity of blood, e.g., hemoglobin levels) should be tested. For glucose, the digestive system (to check glucose absorption) and endocrine system (e.g., pancreas for insulin regulation which affects blood - glucose levels) should be tested.

Answer:

Having low levels of glucose or oxygen makes it difficult to walk up steps because cells need these for cellular respiration to produce ATP (energy). The doctor should test the respiratory system (for oxygen intake and exchange), circulatory system (for oxygen transport), digestive system (for glucose absorption), and endocrine system (for glucose regulation).