A & P-Energy systems Flashcards
Runners in the London Marathon will mainly use the aerobic energy system during their race.
Runners in the London Marathon will mainly use the aerobic energy system during their race.
State one long-term effect of smoking regularly on the structures of a runner’s respiratory system and explain the impact to the performance of a marathon runner
**Long term effect
**
* Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in the lungs rather than oxygen (1)
* Constricts the bronchioles (1)
* Damaged cilia (1)
* Reduction in number/damaged alveoli (1)
* Reduced gaseous exchange in the lungs/oxygen transport to the muscles (1)
**Explanation point **
* This decreases the athlete’s ability to utilise oxygen in energy production/work aerobically (1)
* This means they have less energy for their activity/slower time/fatigue quicker (due to working anaerobically) (1)
Accept other explanations of the impact on performance of the runners in the marathon.
Identify two functions of the fast component of Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).
[1 mark]
A
Break down lactic acid and normalise body temperature
B
Resaturate myoglobin with oxygen and normalise body temperature
C
Restore phosphocreatine (PC) and break down lactic acid
D
Restore phosphocreatine (PC) and resaturate myoglobin with oxygen
D
An amateur boxing match consists of three rounds. Each round lasts 3 minutes.
There is a 1-minute break between each round.
Analyse the role of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) during the match and its impact on the performance of the boxer as the rounds progress.
[total 3 marks]
* EPOC will occur during breaks to repay oxygen debt/as they have worked anaerobically. (1)
* (Fast/alactic component) Some ATP/PC will be resynthesised allowing the boxer to perform explosively/anaerobically/at high intensity in subsequent rounds. (1)
* PC stores will not be fully resynthesised resulting in the increased use of the anaerobic glycolytic system/production of lactic acid/fatigue. (1)
* Some re-saturation of myoglobin with oxygen will delay the build-up of lactic acid/fatigue. (1)
* (Slow/lactic component) Not enough time/oxygen to remove lactic acid so it will build up causing fatigue/decreased performance. (1)
Accept any other appropriate analysis of the role of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption during the match and its impact on the performance of the boxer as the rounds progress.
Maximum 3 marks
Evaluate which of the following training methods would have the greatest positive impact on the energy systems an elite road cyclist uses in a race:
* altitude training
* high intensity interval training (HIIT).
[total 8 marks]
AO1 Knowledge of altitude training and high intensity interval training (HIIT)
Altitude training
* Involves working above 1500 m/5000 feet.
* Results in a natural increase in levels of EPO/red blood cells.
* This improves the aerobic energy system.
High intensity internal training (HIIT)
* Mixture of high intensity/anaerobic periods of work and low intensity/aerobic recovery intervals.
* Primarily develops the anaerobic energy systems/ATP-PC/anaerobic glycolytic system.
* Also improves the aerobic energy system.
AO2 Application of the energy systems developed by each specialist training method to an elite road cyclist in a race
Altitude training develops the aerobic energy system
* The cyclist will use their aerobic energy system to cycle for long periods of time without fatiguing.
* They will also use it to recover from any intense efforts e.g. hill climbs.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) primarily develops the anaerobic energy systems
* The cyclist will use their ATP-PC system to cycle at maximum speeds e.g. sprinting.
* Their anaerobic glycolytic system would be used to maintain a high intensity effort e.g. a hill climb.
AO3 Evaluation of which training method would have the greatest positive impact on the energy systems an elite road cyclist uses in a race
Altitude training would have the greatest positive impact
* Road cycling races are long and the aerobic energy system will be the body’s primary means of ATP resynthesis.
* This would allow them to maintain the same/higher average speeds as others in the race/allowing them to finish in a fast time.
* Improvements in the cyclist’s aerobic energy system would also allow them to recover quickly between high intensity efforts allowing them to repeatedly climb hills without undue fatigue.
* As lactate threshold is a percentage of VO2max improving their VO2max would mean the cyclist could work harder before their anaerobic energy system was required.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) would have the greatest positive impact
* HIIT training mirrors the demands of road cycling races involving periods of high intensity/anaerobic work e.g. climbing hills, followed by aerobic recovery on the downhill sections.
* HIIT training would improve both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems without the negative impact of travel/cost/time associated with altitude training.
* An improved ATP-PC energy system would allow the cyclist to sprint faster at the end of the race which at an elite level is often the difference between winning and losing.
* An improved anaerobic glycolytic energy system would allow the cyclist to buffer lactic acid more effectively and maintain a higher intensity during hill climbs improving their average speed.
* A combination of both training methods may be best as this would target all of the energy systems required by a road cyclist.
Accept any other appropriate evaluation of which of the following training methods would have the greatest positive impact on the energy systems an elite road cyclist uses in a race:
* altitude training
* high intensity interval training (HIIT).
Maximum 8 marks
The table shows the difference in physiological measures between two 30-year-old 1500 m runners.
Evaluate whether the data in the table above could be used to predict the VO2 max of each runner and which runner would win a 1500 m race.
[total 15 marks]
AO1 Knowledge of physiological measures
* Max cardiac output: The maximum amount of blood that can be ejected from the heart (left ventricle) in one minute.
* Calculated as maximum stroke volume x maximum heart rate.
* Max A-VO2 diff: The largest difference between the oxygen content of the arteries and veins. This indicates how much oxygen the performer is able to extract at the muscle site.
* Slow oxidative muscle fibre %: Small motor neuron size; low contraction force; slow conductivity; slow contraction speed; high mitochondrial density; high capillary density; low glycogen stores; high triglyceride stores; high myoglobin content; low fatigability.
* VO2max: Maximum volume of oxygen which can be used/consumed/utilised by the body per minute/unit of time (ml/kg/min).
AO2 Application of the physiological measure to each runner’s VO2 max/aerobic power
* All three measures are specifically related to a runner’s VO2 max/aerobic power.
* Runner B will have a higher VO2 max/aerobic power.
* As both runners are the same age max heart rate will be similar/the same so difference in max cardiac output due to higher max stroke volume of runner B.
* This will be due to cardiac hypertrophy and a stronger heart muscle being able to eject more blood from the heart/higher ejection fraction.
* This means more oxygenated blood will be circulating around runner B’s body and arriving at the muscle site.
* Runner B can extract a greater percentage of the oxygen in his blood evidenced by their higher max A-VO2 diff total.
* Runner B will be able to extract more oxygen, in part, due to their higher percentage of slow twitch muscles which have higher myoglobin levels.
* The oxygen which does reach the muscle site will be more efficiently used to produce ATP due to the higher concentration of mitochondria and aerobic enzymes present in runner B’s muscle fibres.
AO3 Evaluation of whether the data in Table 2 could be used to predict the winner of a 1500m race between Runner A and Runner B
* Runner B’s higher VO2 max will be an advantage in a 1500 m race as it will allow the runner to use more oxygen per minute than runner A.
* A 1500 m race lasts for more than three minutes so the aerobic energy system is an important source of ATP resynthesis/VO2 max is an important indicator of success over 1500 m.
* Having a higher VO2 max means that Runner B will be able to run at faster speeds for longer periods of time while remaining below his anaerobic threshold/without fatiguing/as higher VO2 max will increase their lactate threshold.
* However, the data in the table gives no indication of anaerobic capacity/lactate threshold.
* Runner B might have a higher VO2 max however runner A may run more efficiently maintaining higher speed while expending less energy.
* Runner A may have a high enough VO2 max to stay close to Runner B over the first 1100 m then a faster kick over the final 400 m resulting in victory.
* Data also does not include psychological factors of each athlete in a competitive situation. Runner B may be ‘fitter’ but runner A may be more willing to push themselves and endure pain thus winning the race.
Accept any other appropriate evaluation of whether the data in Table 2 could be used to predict the VO2 max of each runner and which runner would win a 1500 m race.
Maximum 15 mark
Measuring energy expenditure can be useful during training.
Which one of the following would be most practical to use with a swimmer during a training session in the pool?
A
Direct gas analysis VO2 max test
B
Indirect calorimetry
C
Lactate sampling
C – Lactate sampling
Evaluate the effectiveness of altitude training for an endurance athlete preparing for a one-off event like the London Marathon.
[total 8 marks]
AO1 Knowledge of altitude training
* Training at more than 2000m/8000 feet above sea level.
* Usually for at least 30 days/month.
* Three phases – acclimatisation, primary training, recovery.
* Partial pressure of oxygen is lower/less oxygen available.
* Body produces erythropoietin/EPO/hEPO.
* Higher EPO levels increase red blood cell count.
AO2 Application of altitude training to endurance sports
* Marathon is a long duration, low intensity/aerobic event and altitude training will specifically boost aerobic power/VO2 max.
* Increased concentration of haemoglobin provides endurance athlete with increased capacity to carry oxygen.
* Increased myoglobin in muscle cells allows more oxygen to be stored and transported to mitochondria.
* Altitude sickness which may prevent the athlete from training.
* Training at same intensity as at sea level is very difficult so detraining/loss of fitness may occur.
* Benefits can be lost within few days back at sea level/up to few days so may have no impact on competition.
* Psychological problems linked to travel/time away from home may have detrimental effect on athlete’s health and well-being.
* Altitude training is very expensive/time consuming so not available to most athletes preparing for endurance events such as the London Marathon.
AO3 Evaluation of the effectiveness of altitude training to improve the performance of endurance athletes preparing for a one-off event such as the London Marathon
* Increase in VO2 max will allow the endurance athlete to perform at high intensities for longer periods of time whilst still working aerobically.
* This will result in a higher average speed over the duration of the event which is a key factor in determining the outcome.
* As benefits only last for up to 14 days training must be performed close to the event to be effective, however travelling close to a race may also have a negative impact on performance in the race.
* If it is correctly timed the gains in aerobic power could be the difference between winning and losing the event.
* Loss of fitness/detraining/negative impact on mental health close to event may result in worse performance in the marathon if training is not properly managed.
* Some of these issues can be overcome with new methodologies such as live high train low or new technology such as hypoxic tents to sleep in.
Accept any other appropriate evaluation of the effectiveness of altitude training to improve the performance of endurance athletes preparing for a one-off event such as the London Marathon.
Max 8 marks
Each of the following athletes uses a different main energy system to resynthesise ATP during a race:
* Athlete A is a 100 m runner
* Athlete B is a 400 m runner
* Athlete C is a marathon runner.
Analyse how each of these athletes could use different dietary supplements or manipulation to optimise their performance in a race.
Refer to the relevant energy systems throughout your answer.
[total 15 marks]
AO1 Knowledge of energy systems and dietary supplements/manipulation
Energy systems:
* Aerobic system: main energy system during long duration/low intensity/3 minutes plus.
* Anaerobic glycolytic system: main energy during high intensity/short duration/approximately 10 seconds–3 minutes.
* ATP-PC system: main energy during high or maximal intensity/short duration/approximately 5–10 seconds.
Dietary supplements/manipulation:
* Creatine.
* Sodium bicarbonate.
* Caffeine.
* Glycogen loading.
AO2 Application of energy systems and dietary supplements/manipulation to each event
Athlete A – 100 m
* ATP-PC system as 100 m is high or maximal intensity/short duration/majority of the race completed in under 10 seconds.
* Creatine.
Athlete B – 400 m
* Anaerobic glycolytic system as 400 m is high intensity/short duration/lasts more than 10 seconds but less than 3 minutes.
* Sodium bicarbonate.
Athlete C – Marathon
* Aerobic system as marathon is long duration/low intensity/lasts more than 3 minutes.
* Glycogen loading.
* Caffeine.
AO3 Analysis of the impact of the dietary supplements/manipulation on the energy systems
Athlete A – 100 m
* Taking creatine may increase the 100m runner’s phosphocreatine stores.
* This will allow the sprinter to use this system for a longer period of time.
* Preventing the slow down that occurs when switching to the anaerobic glycolytic system due to the increased number of chemical reactions it involves.
Athlete B – 400 m
* Taking sodium bicarbonate will buffer lactic acid produced by the anaerobic glycolytic system.
* This will delay the negative effects of lactate on performance allowing the athlete to run at faster speeds for a longer period of time.
Athlete C – Marathon
* Glycogen loading will increase the athlete’s stores of muscle/liver glycogen which is the fastest energy source to produce energy using the aerobic system via glycolysis.
* Having more stored glycogen will allow the marathon runner to run faster for longer before their glycogen stores become depleted/they ‘hit the wall’.
* Delays the need to use fats via beta oxidation as the main energy source for aerobic respiration which takes more oxygen/time to breakdown resulting in the athlete having to run slower.
* Alternatively, caffeine can increase the oxidation of fats allowing them to be used as a fuel source and sparing muscle glycogen stores until later in the race.
Accept any other appropriate analysis of how these athletes would use different dietary supplements or manipulation to optimise their performance in the race.
Which one of the following is a direct product of beta oxidation?
A
Acetyl-CoA
B
Carbon dioxide
C
Citric acid
D
Oxaloacetate
A
Training can increase an athlete’s maximum A-VO2 diff.
Analyse how the body systems adapt to allow this.
[total 3 marks]
* Increased oxygen content in arterial blood due to more red blood cells/haemoglobin/oxygen carrying capacity of the blood (1)
* Increased gas exchange at the muscle due to increased capillarisation/increases blood supply/surface area (1)
* Increased gas exchange at the muscle due to more myoglobin which has a greater affinity for oxygen than haemoglobin so pulls more oxygen into muscle/can store more oxygen in muscle (1)
* Increased gas exchange at the muscle due to larger/more numerous/more efficient mitochondria allowing for more oxygen to be used in a muscle cell so less returned to venous blood (1)
Reference to gas exchange at the muscle only required once for 2nd, 3rd and 4th bullet points.
Accept any other appropriate analysis of how the body systems adapt as a result of training to increase maximum A-VO2 diff.
Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) is a method for measuring the energy expenditure of an athlete.
The table below shows the RER values of three performers.
Which of these performers is using fat as their main energy source?
A
Performer 1
B
Performer 2
C
Performer 3
B
Runners in the London Marathon will mainly use the aerobic energy system during their race.
Name and describe the three key processes involved in the aerobic energy system when using glucose as an energy source.
[total 3 marks]
[AO1 = 3]
* Glycolysis – glucose broken down into pyruvate/pyruvic acid (1)
* Krebs/citric acid cycle – oxidation of acetyl-coenzyme-A/citric acid (1)
* Electron transport chain – transfer of electrons down a carrier chain/hydrogen is oxidised (1)
Accept first three only. Must have name and description. Answers can appear in any order. Do not accept beta oxidation.
Accept any other appropriate name and description of the three processes.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves alternating short periods of intense exercise with lower intensity periods of recovery.
Discuss the effectiveness of HIIT as a training method for a games player.
[total 4 marks]
For (sub max 3)
* Works anaerobic energy system required in games with applied example / aerobic energy system required in games with applied example (1)
* Mixture of high intensity / anaerobic energy system and low intensity / aerobic energy system mimics the demands of a game (1)
* Work:rest ratio can be altered to meet specific demands of sport/position (1)
* Can improve a range of components of fitness required in team games / (2 or more named components of fitness applied to games player) e.g. aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, speed, muscular endurance (1)
* Develops the performers ability to perform sports specific skills under fatigue / buffer lactic acid with applied example (1)
* Potentially more effective at increasing aerobic endurance than continuous training / takes less time than continuous training to improve aerobic power (1)
Against (sub max 3)
* Not most appropriate for all positions / other training methods may be more appropriate for certain positions or games e.g. goalkeeper in football or weight training for rugby player (1)
* High intensity increases risk of injury / means that longer rest intervals required between sessions so can’t perform multiple sessions (1)
* Intensity can negatively impact on skill performance (1)
* Work:rest intervals differ by position and sports / can be difficult to accurately work out (1)
Accept any other appropriate evaluation of the effectiveness of HIIT as a training method.
Answers must relate to games players.
Wayde van Niekirk set a new world record in the 400m at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The table below shows his 50m split times from the race.
Analyse the use of the anaerobic energy systems during the 400m race and their impact on the split times.
(Total 15 marks)
AO1 – Knowledge of ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolytic system
* Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of sufficient oxygen
* The ATP-PC system resynthesises ATP by breaking down phosphocreatine
* The energy released by splitting this molecule is used to re-attach a third phosphate to adenosine diphosphate
* The ATP-PC system can only last between 8 and 10 seconds
* 1:1 ratio/1 ATP resynthesised
* PC stores in the muscle become depleted and cannot be replenished during the race / without oxygen
* The anaerobic glycolytic system breaks down glycogen using anaerobic glycolysis to resynthesis ATP
* 1:2 ratio/2 ATP resynthesised
* Produces lactic acid as a waste product
* This builds up in the muscles and cannot be removed until the body is respiring aerobically
AO2 – Application of ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolytic system to the 400m and split times
* Initially energy provided by existing stores of ATP
* During the first two splits Wayde van Niekirk will predominately be using the ATP-PC energy systems
* This energy system will have been exhausted at around 8-10 seconds / 100m of the race
* Anaerobic glycolytic system will be the primary energy system used for the remainder of the race
AO3 – Analysis of the energy system used on the split times
* Second split fastest due to fewer chemical reactions involved in / immediacy of ATP-PC system
* Then all van Niekirk’s times are all slower than 4.7 seconds
* This is due to the larger number of chemical reactions involved in the anaerobic glycolytic system
* The athlete then continues to slow with each of the splits after the 2nd slower than the previous one
* Leading to the final and slowest time of 6.2 seconds
* This occurs as they are continuing to work anaerobically using the anaerobic glycolytic system without rest or enough oxygen to meet the demands of the activity so lactic acid will be accumulating in their muscles
* Lactic acid denatures the enzymes involved in respiration meaning the muscle cells become slower at resynthesising ATP
* Even though van Niekirk slows over the course of the race he was still able to set a new world record
* This is because he is highly trained and among other things will have developed a high tolerance to lactic acid
Credit other relevant analysis of how anaerobic energy systems impact on the split times.
Which method of estimating energy expenditure involves measuring the production of CO2 and / or the consumption of O2?
A
Indirect calorimetry
B
Lactate sampling
C
VO2 max test
A
Define the term A-VO2 diff.
[total 1 mark]
* Difference between oxygen content / partial pressure of oxygen in arterial and venous blood (1)
* How much O2 is extracted and used by muscles (1).
Accept other appropriate definitions of the term A-VO2 diff.
Explain the change in A-VO2 diff during exercise. Use the data in the table below in your answer.
[total 3 marks]
* A-VO2 diff increases from 5 to 15ml
* Means more oxygen is needed / extracted by the muscles
* Used / needed for energy / ATP production for endurance / stamina / aerobic exercise / delays fatigue.
Accept other appropriate explanations of the change in A-VO2 diff during exercise. Answers must relate to the table.
The aerobic system is an important energy system for many sports.
Describe the process of ATP resynthesis in the mitochondria.
[total 4 marks]
A. Breakdown of pyruvic acid / pyruvate / glycerol / fatty acids
B. Converted to acetyl CoA
C. Krebs Cycle
D. Oxidation of citric acid
E. Production of carbon dioxide
F. Produces 2 molecules of ATP
G. Electron transport chain
H. Water formed / Hydrogen combines with oxygen
I. Produces 34/32-36 molecules of ATP
Do not accept diagrams.
The table below shows the times of an elite athlete for a 100m, 400m and 3000m race.
The graph below shows the relative contribution of the energy systems on the energy continuum.
Using the graph, analyse and evaluate the contribution of each energy system for each event identified in the table.
(Total 15 marks)
AO1 – Knowledge
Identified and described the energy systems, eg ATP-PC system involves the breakdown of PC to form ATP. The aerobic system uses oxygen to release energy. The aerobic system has a higher ATP yield than the other systems. (No reference to times from table is required).
AO2 – Application
Identified and explained the contribution of each system in the three events, eg in the 100m event, the athlete will predominantly use the ATP PC system to create ATP. There is also some contribution from the lactate anaerobic system. This is because the ATP-PC system can create ATP for 8-10 seconds and the race only takes 10.49 seconds to complete. This involves the breakdown of glucose anaerobically to form pyruvic acid and then lactic acid which is also known as anaerobic glycolysis.
AO3 – Analysis/Evaluation
Linked the contribution of each energy system to the demands of the event, eg 100m uses ATP-PC system which is an anaerobic system to create ATP as it is a sprint event and the performer runs as fast as they can and so intensity is maximal. When ATP is made through the breakdown of PC in the ATP-PC system, ATP is produced very quickly explaining, the 100% capacity in the graph.
Credit other relevant analysis and evaluation points in relation to the contribution of each energy system for each event identified in the data.
Max 15 marks
The diagram below shows the volume of oxygen used during a training session and the recovery process.
Identify and explain what is happening at A and at B in the diagram above.
[total 4 marks]
(Point A) – oxygen deficit
Occurs when not enough oxygen present at the start of exercise to supply enough ATP aerobically / volume of oxygen needed to complete activity aerobically
Can be awarded if point A incorrect
Energy provided anaerobically
Can be awarded if point A incorrect
Sub max of 2 per section
(Point B) – Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption / EPOC
Volume of oxygen consumed / taken in above normal following exercise / during recovery
Can be awarded if point D incorrect
Fast component / Alactacid debt – resynthesis of ATP or PC / resaturation of myoglobin with oxygen
Can be awarded if point D incorrect
The recovery process after training and between events during competition is vital to maximise performance.
The figure below illustrates the ‘excess post-exercise oxygen consumption’ (EPOC) of a performer following strenuous exercise.
Outline the function and process of the fast component of the recovery process.
[total 4 marks]
EPOC explanation – volume of oxygen consumed in recovery above the resting rate.
NOT repay oxygen debt
NOT removes lactic acid
The alactacid / alactic (debt / component).
Re–saturation of myoglobin / haemoglobin with oxygen.
Re–synthesise ATP / PC levels.
Uses 2-4 litres of oxygen.
Completed in 2-3 minutes.
Allow a few minutes
50% PC stores replenished within 30 seconds / 75% within 60 seconds.
