Energy Systems Flashcards
In the body the energy we use for muscle contractions comes from which chemical?
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
ATPases is an enzyme that breaks down ATP. During this process energy is released and ATP is converted into what other chemicals?
Adenosine Di-phosphate (ADP) + Phosphate (Pi)
ADP is converted back to ATP through chemical reactions so it can be used again to supply energy for muscle contractions. What substance is found in the muscle that can be used to convert ADP to ATP quickly?
Phosphocreatine (PC)
Where is the muscle cell/fibre is PC stored?
Sarcoplasm
PC stores in the muscles are limited and can only be used to produce ATP for a short time. How long can PC stores be used for?
5-8 seconds
PC stores in the muscles can be replenished during rest or what type of exercise?
Low-intensity exercise, when additional oxygen is available
Name 3 athletic events that will use the PC stores predominately as the energy source.
Shot put Discus Long Jump High Jump Triple Jump Hammer Pole Vault 100m - if an elite athlete
In the ATP-PC system which enzyme detects high levels of ADP?
Creatine Kinase
What type of reaction occurs when Creatine Kinase breaks PC into Pi + C + energy and the energy from this process is used to bind Pi to ADP to form ATP?
Coupled reaction (energy required by one process is supplied by another process)
How many ATP can 1 molecule of PC make?
1
Give 2 advantages of the ATP-PC System
ATP re-synthesised rapidly (provides a rapid source of energy for muscle contractions)
PC stores can be replenished quickly (30s = 50% replenished. 3min = 100% replenished)
No fatiguing by-products
Creatine supplements could be used to increase the time the energy source lasts.
Give 2 disadvantages of the ATP-PC System
There is only a short/limited supply of PC in a muscle cell (lasts up to 8s).
1 PC = 1 ATP so it isn’t very efficient
PC re-synthesis can only take place when additional oxygen is present (rest or low intensity activity)
ATP-PC system is an anaerobic (without Oxygen) process of making ATP. What is the other anaerobic process to make ATP?
Anaerobic Glycolytic System
When PC levels are low which enzyme is activated to start the anaerobic glycolytic process?
Glycogen Phosphorylase
In the anaerobic glycolytic system Glycogen is broken down in glucose by Glycogen Phosphorylase and then glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid by which enzyme?
Phosphofructokinase
When oxygen isn’t available pyruvic acid is broken down in to what chemical by the enzyme Lactate dehydrogenase?
Lactic Acid
The Anaerobic Glycolytic system can last up to 3mins. What two factors influence how long the system can last?
Fitness levels (poor Cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) = reduced time) Intensity of the exercise (high intensity = reduced time)
What fuel/food substance is used to make ATP in the anaerobic glycolytic system?
Carbohydrates stored in the body as glycogen
Where can glycogen be stored in the body prior to use in the anaerobic glycolytic system?
Muscles
Liver
How many ATP can be made from 1 molecule of glucose using the anaerobic glycolytic system?
2
The anaerobic glycolytic system can last up to 3 mins but peaks at about…
45s
Give 2 sporting examples of the anaerobic glycolytic system being used.
(any activity lasting over 8s and up to 3 mins)
200m
400m
Sprinting the length of the pitch to shoot in football
Doing a short hill climb in road cycling
Playing a fast long rally in Tennis
Doing a muddy hill climb in cross country running
Give 2 advantages of the anaerobic glycolytic system
- ATP can be re-synthesised quite quickly (few chemical reactions needed, no oxygen needed, stores of glycogen are ready in the muscles)
- Last longer than the ATP-PC system
- Lactic acid can be used as a fuel (pyruvic acid) or converted to glycogen if oxygen is present (during rest or lower intensity activity)
- It can be used for a quick extra burst of energy e.g. a sprint finish
Give 2 disadvantages of the anaerobic glycolytic system
Lactic acid is produced which causes fatigue (slows down chemical reactions in the body)
The amount of ATP produced from 1 glycogen molecule is a lot less that by using the aerobic system (2:36)