[37] Biochemistry of Exercise

Question 1

What is the biochemistry of exercise?

Answer 1

The study of chemical processes and substances in the body related to physical activity.

Question 2

What is ATP?

Answer 2

Adenosine Triphosphate, the primary source of energy for cellular processes.

Question 3

How is ATP used during exercise?

Answer 3

ATP is broken down to release energy that fuels muscle contractions during exercise.

Question 4

What are the three energy systems used during exercise?

Answer 4

1. ATP-PC system
2. Glycolytic system
3. Oxidative system

Question 5

Describe the ATP-PC system.

Answer 5

It provides immediate energy through the breakdown of existing ATP and creatine phosphate (PC) in the muscles, used for short, intense bursts of energy.

Question 6

Describe the Glycolytic system.

Answer 6

It breaks down glucose for energy, resulting in the production of ATP and lactic acid. Used for short to moderate duration high-intensity work.

Question 7

Describe the Oxidative system.

Answer 7

It involves the Krebs cycle and Electron Transport Chain. It uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce ATP, and is the primary source of energy for long-duration, low-intensity exercise.

Question 8

What is glycogen?

Answer 8

A form of glucose stored in the liver and muscles, used as an energy source during exercise.

Question 9

What is glycogenolysis?

Answer 9

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose for energy during exercise.

Question 10

What is gluconeogenesis?

Answer 10

The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, like proteins and parts of fats.

Question 11

What happens to lactic acid produced during exercise?

Answer 11

It can be used as an energy source, converted back to glucose in the liver, or converted to pyruvic acid for use in the Krebs cycle.

Question 12

What are the roles of hormones during exercise?

Answer 12

They regulate energy production, hydration levels, and muscle growth and repair.

Question 13

Name some hormones that are important during exercise.

Answer 13

1. Insulin
2. Glucagon
3. Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
4. Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
5. Cortisol
6. Growth Hormone

Question 14

What is VO2 max?

Answer 14

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise; a measure of aerobic fitness.

Question 15

What is EPOC?

Answer 15

Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, the increased rate of oxygen intake after strenuous activity.

Question 16

What is the ‘oxygen debt’ concept in exercise?

Answer 16

It’s the amount of extra oxygen that the body needs to recover after exercise, related to EPOC.

Question 17

How does exercise affect enzyme activity in muscles?

Answer 17

Exercise can increase the amount and activity of enzymes in the muscles, enhancing metabolic capacity.

Question 18

What is muscle hypertrophy?

Answer 18

The growth and increase of the size of muscle cells, typically as a result of strength training.

Question 19

What is muscle atrophy?

Answer 19

The wasting away or decrease in size of muscle cells, typically due to lack of use.

Question 20

How does protein synthesis contribute to muscle recovery after exercise?

Answer 20

Protein synthesis repairs damaged muscle fibers and builds new ones, aiding in muscle recovery and growth post-exercise.