Energy Systems

Question 1

Role of ATP

Answer 1

The splitting of ATP, the third phosphate breaking off, provides energy for muscle contraction.

Question 2

What is the make up of ATP

Answer 2

• consists of one adenosine molecule and a chain of three phosphate molecules bound together by high energy chemical bonds

Question 3

How does ATP break down and release energy- ATP to ADP conversion

Answer 3

-Available energy is contained in the high energy bonds between the phosphates
-It is usually the outer phosphate which breaks off
-When this occurs ATP is converted into ADP and Pi
-ATP is then resynthesised from ADP, by using energy to add another phosphate group

Question 4

How are carbohydrates broken down and stored in the body?

Answer 4

Carbohydrates are stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver and are broken down into glucose before being used by the body

Question 5

Explain how fats are broken down and stored in the body?

Answer 5

Fats are broken down into free fatty acids before being used by the body and are stored as triglycerides in the muscles and adipose tissue

Question 6

How is protein broken down and stored in the body?

Answer 6

Protein are broken down into amino acids before being used by the body and are stored as amino acids in the muscles and adipose tissue

Question 7

Examples of each of the 3 food fuels

Answer 7

Carbs- pasta, bread, cereal
Fats- meat, dairy, avocado
Protein- lean meat, lentils

Question 8

What system does the body rely on for ATP production at rest ? What portion of food fuel contributes?

Answer 8

• aerobic energy system to produce ATP at rest as it can be sustained
  -CHO contribute one third and fats two thirds

Question 9

How is ATP produced during activity without oxygen?

Answer 9

-the body’s immediate demand for oxygen when it starts activity is unable to be met
-which is why the ATP-CP system and the anaerobic glycolysis system create ATP anaerobically

Question 10

How is ATP produced during activity with oxygen?

Answer 10

-if physical activity is at sub-maximal level (60-85% max heart rate)
-then body is able to produce ATP aerobically with the aerobic energy system

Question 10

What does energy system interplay mean?

Answer 10

refers to the energy systems working together, but at different rates to supply the ATP required for an activity

Question 11

What determines which energy system is dominant in physical activity?

Answer 11

-At any one point their is a predominant energy system
-The DURATION and INTENSITY of the exercise determines which energy system is contributing the most to ATP resynthesis

Question 12

Example of energy system interplay

Answer 12

-800m swim:
- at the start of the race during the initial burst of speed and dive into the water the body relies on the ATP-CP system
-as the swimmer progresses a few strokes they transition into the anaerobic glycolysis system
-majority of the 800m swim relies on the aerobic system as it is efficient and can provide for an extended period

Question 13

Which muscle fibre type is best suited to the aerobic energy system?

Answer 13

-Type 1 slow twitch muscle fibres (endurance)
-small red muscle fibres with rich blood supply
-contract repeatedly but not forcefully
-well suited for prolonged endurance activities, requiring a sustained supply of energy

Question 14

Which muscle fibre type is best suited to the anaerobic energy system?

Answer 14

-Type 2A fast twitch muscle fibres (speed/endurance)
- red muscle fibres that have both aerobic and anaerobic capabilities
- contract at a rapid rate, with force repeatedly

Question 15

Which muscle fibre type is best suited to the ATP-CP system?

Answer 15

• Type 2B fast twitch muscle fibres (speed/power)
• bigger muscle fibres that have poor blood supply
  -contract rapidly and forcefully
  -provides immediate energy for short bursts of high intensity activity