Which of the following is true regarding the effectiveness of anaerobic metabolism?

Anaerobic metabolism refers to the process by which the body generates energy in the absence of oxygen, primarily through pathways such as glycolysis and the phosphagen system. One key characteristic of anaerobic metabolism is that it is less efficient compared to aerobic metabolism in terms of the amount of energy produced per unit of substrate metabolized.

While anaerobic pathways can quickly produce energy, particularly during high-intensity activities, they result in the production of lactate and other byproducts that can limit performance over time. In contrast, aerobic metabolism, which utilizes oxygen, generates a significantly higher yield of ATP (the energy currency of the cell) and supports sustained, lower-intensity activities for longer durations.

Thus, stating that anaerobic metabolism is less efficient aligns with the fundamental principles of energy production in the body, emphasizing its role during short bursts of intense activity where rapid energy release is crucial, but with limitations in endurance and overall energy yield.