Anaerobic Energy System

Question 1

What are the two types of anaerobic energy system?

Answer 1

• ATP-PC energy system
• Anaerobic glycolytic energy system

Question 2

Explain stored ATP

Answer 2

• At the start of exercise, we have a tiny amount of ATP stored in the muscles
• This can be broken down to release energy
• Enough stored energy for 1 second only
• Once used up, needs to be continually re-synthesised by the energy systems

Question 3

Explain the ATP-PC system

Answer 3

• Lasts for 5-8 seconds
• First 3 seconds, uses ATP to generate energy
• Once these are used, body uses creatine phosphate to re-synthesise the ATP
• PC found in sarcoplasm of the muscles and is broken down by creatine kinase to re-synthesise ADP+Pi –> ATP in a coupled reaction
• 1 PC = 1 ATP molecule
• Takes 30 seconds to re-synthesise 50% of PC stores and up to 3 minutes for all PC stores to be replenished

Question 4

Explain the anaerobic glycolytic energy system

Answer 4

• Lasts up to 3 minutes but peaks at 45 seconds
• Uses glycolysis to produce ATP
• Instead of pyruvate being oxidised it is converted into lactate by lactate dehydrogenase