Metabolic pathways

Question 1

ATP-PC (Anaerobic Alactic)

Answer 1

• Duration: Short bursts (up to 10 seconds).
• Fuel: Uses ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and PC (phosphocreatine) stored in muscles.
• By-products: None (no lactic acid).
• Example: Sprinting or a high jump.

Question 2

Glycolysis (Anaerobic Lactic)

Answer 2

• Duration: Short to medium effort (10 seconds to 2 minutes).
• Fuel: Breaks down glucose (carbohydrates) into lactic acid (lactate) for energy.
• By-products: Lactic acid (causes muscle fatigue).
• Example: 400m sprint or intense weightlifting.

Question 3

Cellular Respiration (Aerobic)

Answer 3

• Duration: Long-term, sustained activity (more than 2 minutes).
• Fuel: Uses glucose, fat, and sometimes protein in the presence of oxygen.
• By-products: Carbon dioxide and water (which are removed from the body).
• Example: Long-distance running, cycling, or swimming.