What do the by-products of aerobic metabolism include?

The by-products of aerobic metabolism primarily include carbon dioxide and water. During aerobic metabolism, the body uses oxygen to break down carbohydrates, fats, and sometimes proteins to produce energy. This energy is primarily stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

As the nutrients are metabolized in the presence of oxygen, the chemical reaction yields ATP, along with carbon dioxide and water as by-products. Carbon dioxide is produced when glucose (or other substrates) is oxidized, and it is subsequently transported to the lungs for exhalation. Water is also formed during the oxidation process.

In contrast, while other options may refer to substances generated in different metabolic processes or under specific conditions, they do not accurately represent the standard by-products of aerobic metabolism. For example, lactic acid is primarily associated with anaerobic metabolism, which occurs when oxygen levels are low, while creatine does not represent a metabolic by-product in the same sense.