ATP production Flashcards
In what ways can ATP be resynthesized?
It is done through one of 3 systems. The phosphagen system, Anaerobic system or aerobic system.
What is the phosphagen system? And why is it the quickest in producing ATP?
The phosphagen system utilises creatine phosphate to resynthesize ADP(Broken down ATP) into ATP. The process is so efficient that the concentration of ATP barely decreases even during the most vigorous exercise. However, due to its constant resynthesis of ATP, it can drop to very low levels very quickly, about 10 seconds of all-out exertion.
What is the fuel source for the anaerobic production of ATP(Anaerobic glycolysis)? Where is the location? When will we require anaerobic glycolysis?
The fuel source is carbohydrates or the breakdown of glucose. It is located in the cytoplasm of the cells. Anaerobic glycolysis is used when we do activities that require
large bursts of energy for a relatively longer period than the phosphagen system(About 1-3 minutes)
What is pyruvate? How is it produced? What are its uses and cons?
Pyruvate is the result of incomplete breakdown of glucose during anaerobic glycolysis. Pyruvate can be used for aerobic production instead, however, if the intensity of exercise is high but the oxygen supplied is low, pyruvate turns into lactate. Lactate is then transported out of active cells and is used for energy by other cells, allowing for more pyruvate production which leads to a never-ending cycle of lactate production. If the removal of lactate by circulatory structures or inactive structures cannot keep up with its production, muscle acidity will be too high and fatigue, causing us to feel a burning sensation in our muscles.
What is the fuel source for the aerobic production of ATP(Metabolic respiration)? Where is the location?
The fuel source of aerobic production is fats and carbohydrates, it also utilises oxygen to burn the metabolic fuels. ATP production occurs in the mitochondria which contain oxidative enzymes.
Why are fats an excellent source of energy and why is it so hard to lose?
Fats are caloric-dense and yield a large amount of ATP. Fat yields about 9kcal of energy while carbohydrates only yield 4kcal.
Are fats or carbs used more during metabolic respiration?
During exercise, glucose metabolism requires less oxygen than fatty acid metabolism and thus will lose more glucose than fat in ATP aerobic production as intensity increases.
What is the marker used to determine how much fat and carbs are being used as fuel? What does the value represent? When can it be used and not be used?
Respiratory exchange ratio. Higher value = more carbohydrates being used than fats. As intensity increases, the body goes from primarily fat metabolism to carbs metabolism. It can only be used when the body is in a steady state condition or during mild to moderate exercise where there is NO ACCUMULATION OF LACTATE.
Does RER ratio suggests that lower intensity exercise loses more fats than high intensity?
No. Weight loss is associated with the loss of the total number of calories. High-intensity exercises will still cause more total calories AND fat lost despite having a lower fat metabolism percentage.
