Energy Systems-Aerobic System

Question 1

Describe the stages of the aerobic system
(Give the energy yield at each stage)

Answer 1

1.Gloycolysis
glycogen is broken down into energy and pyruvic acid and if there is sufficient oxygen the pyruvic acid is converted into Acetyl CoA (2 ATP)

2.Krebs cycle
Acetyl CoA is carried by citric acid, and is then broken down into hydrogen, carbon dioxide and energy (2 ATP) and the hydrogen electrons are fed into the next stage

3.Electron transport chain
The hydrogen ions are oxidised to from water and energy (34 ATP)

Question 2

Where in the body do each of the following occur:
Glycolysis
Krebs Cycle
Electron Transport Chain

Answer 2

Glycolysis: Sarcoplasm
Krebs Cycle and ETC: Mitochondria

Question 3

Advantages of the aerobic system

Answer 3

No fatiguing bi-products
High energy yield (36-38ATP)
Long duration

Question 4

Disadvantages of the aerobic system

Answer 4

Low/moderate intensity exercise
Delay for oxygen delivery

Question 5

What is the enzyme that breaks glycogen into pyruvic acid

Answer 5

Phosphofructokinase

Question 6

What is beta oxidation and what part of the aerobic system does it replace if it were to occur

Answer 6

Beta oxidation is the process by which fatty acids are broken down into two-carbon units, forming acetyl-CoA. This occurs in the mitochondria and is a key step in the metabolism of fats for energy. The acetyl-CoA produced enters the Krebs cycle (also known as the Citric Acid Cycle), where it undergoes further oxidation to produce ATP.

Replaces glycolysis in the aerobic system