Energy systems - ATP-PC system

Question 1

Advantages of the ATP-PC system?

Answer 1

1 - ATP can be re-synthesised rapidly using this energy system
2 - Phosphocreatine stores can be re-synthesised quickly (50% = 30 seconds, 100% = 3 minutes)
3 - There are no fatiguing by products
4 - Can increase time the ATP-PC system can be utilised through use of creatine supplementation.

Question 2

Disadvantages of the ATP-PC system?

Answer 2

1 - Only a limited supply of phosphocreatine in the muscle cell to, i.e it can only last 10 seconds
2 - Only one mole of ATP can be re-synthesised for every mole of PC
3 - PC re-synthesised can only take place in the presence of oxygen (i.e, when the intensity of the exercise is reduced)

Question 3

1st step in the ATP-PC system?

Answer 3

1 - Re-synthesise ATP when the enzyme creatine kinase detects levels of ADp (Adenosine diphosphate)

Question 4

2nd step in the ATP-PC system?

Answer 4

1 - Creatine kinase breaks down the phosphocreatine in the body to phosphate and creatine, this releases energy.

Question 5

3rd step in the ATP-system?

Answer 5

1 - The energy is then used to convert ADP to ATP (This is the known as a coupled reaction, where energy required by one process is supplied by another process).

Question 6

Is the system efficient?

Answer 6

No as the aerobic energy system produces 34 ATP molecules.
However, it does not produce by-products and delays on the onset of glycolytic system.

Question 7

Physiological factors affecting ATP-PC system?

Answer 7

1 - Increased maximum cardiac output
2 - Greater HR Range
3 - Numbers and size of mitochondria
4 - Increase lactate tolerance
5 - Surface area of alveoli
6 - Less O2 being used for heart muscles means there is more O2 available to other muscles.