ATP/PC

Question 1

What is phosphocreatine

Answer 1

An energy rich phosphate compound found in the sarcoplasm of muscle cells

Question 2

What is the ATP-PC system

Answer 2

• Occurs without the presence of oxygen
• Provides energy for High intensity, Short duration bouts of exercise
• Can be seen in power and strength forms of training.
• Can supply energy for 5-8 seconds before complete exhaustion
• Activated at the onset of activity, regardless of intensity

Question 3

Give an example of when the ATP PC system may be used

Answer 3

Sprint

Question 4

Describe how the ATP-PC system works

Answer 4

1) ATP breaks down into ADP + P +energy catalysed by ATPase
2) This occurs at maximal intensity and after 2-3 seconds fuel stores are depleted
3) High ADP stores will trigger the release of creatine kinase.
4) creatine kinase will anaerobically break down phosphocreatine into phosphate + creatine +energy
5) The PC is needed for providing a high power of contractions
6) This is a up to 8 second process and is at 90% intensity
7) There is then the resynthesis of ATP by ADP +P+energy

Question 5

How efficient is the system (energy yield)

Answer 5

• PC:ATP
• 1:1

Question 6

What are the +ves of the ATP/PC system

Answer 6

• No delay from oxygen
• PC readily available in muscle cell
• Simple and rapid breakdown of PC and resynthesis ofn ATP
• Provides energy for very high intensity activities
• No fatiguing by depletion

Question 7

What are the -ves of the ATP/PC system

Answer 7

• Low ATP yield
• Small PC stores lead to rapid fatigue after 8-10 seconds