During periods of high metabolic activity, such as flight, insects accumulate lactate in their muscle tissues. Which of the following correctly describes the physiological mechanism that subsequently increases the rate of oxygen diffusion to these active muscle cells?
The accumulation of lactate lowers the water potential of the muscle cells, causing fluid to move from the tracheoles into the cells by osmosis. This draws oxygen-rich air closer to the cells, shortening the slower liquid-phase diffusion pathway.
The accumulation of lactate increases the water potential of the muscle cells, causing water to move from the cells into the tracheoles by osmosis. This increases the hydrostatic pressure in the tracheoles, forcing oxygen deeper into the tissues.
The accumulation of lactate lowers the water potential of the muscle cells, drawing fluid out of the tracheoles by osmosis. This increases the depth of the liquid barrier, which is advantageous because oxygen diffuses much faster through liquid than through air.
The accumulation of lactate stimulates active transport of oxygen molecules across the tracheole membrane, bypassing the concentration gradient to maintain high rates of aerobic respiration.
