Questions: Question 13 of 15 Hypoxia may limit a cell's ability to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Which of the following cellular disruptions may occur when ATP levels fall? Increased plasma membrane integrity Decreased lactic acid levels Decreased protein synthesis Increased endoplasmic reticulum activity

The answer is: Decreased protein synthesis.

Explanation for each option:

• Increased plasma membrane integrity: This is incorrect. When ATP levels fall, the energy-dependent processes that maintain plasma membrane integrity are compromised, potentially leading to decreased integrity, not increased.

• Decreased lactic acid levels: This is incorrect. Under hypoxic conditions, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, which leads to an increase in lactic acid production, not a decrease.

• Decreased protein synthesis: This is correct. ATP is essential for protein synthesis, and a reduction in ATP levels would impair the cell's ability to synthesize proteins.

• Increased endoplasmic reticulum activity: This is incorrect. Reduced ATP levels would generally lead to decreased activity in the endoplasmic reticulum, as many of its functions are energy-dependent.

Summary: When ATP levels fall due to hypoxia, one of the cellular disruptions that may occur is decreased protein synthesis.