the atp-pc system Flashcards
what does the system use as its fuel?
phosphocreatine (PC)
what is phosphocreatine?
energy-rich phosphate compound found in sarcoplasm of muscles
can be broken down quickly and easily
releases energy to re-synthesise ATP
why is PCs rapid availability important?
for single maximal movements (e.g. long jump/shot putt)
how long does PC roughly last for?
5-8 seconds
when is the only time PC can be replenished?
during low intensity work when oxygen is unavailable
what type of process is the ATP-PC system?
an anaerobic process
when does the ATP-PC re-synthesise ATP?
when the enzyme ‘creatine kinase’ detects high levels of ADP
what is the process of the ATP-PC system?
it breaks down the phosphocreatine in the muscles to phosphate and creatine - releasing energy
what is the written equation for the ATP-PC system?
phosphocreatine (PC) -> Pi + ADP -> ATP
how many molecules of ATP can be produced?
for every molecule of PC broken down there is enough energy to create one molecule of ATP
is the system efficient?
no
does the system produce fatiguing by-products?
no
what does the ATP-PC system delay?
the onset of the anaerobic glycolytic system
advantages of the ATP-PC system:
1) ATP can be re-synthesised rapidly using ATP-PC system
2) PC stores can be re-synthesised quickly
3) possible to extend the time ATP-PC system can be utilised through use of creatine supplementation
disadvantages of the ATP-PC system:
1) there is only a limited supply of phosphocreatine in muscle cell
2) only one mole of ATP can be re-synthesised for every mole of PC
3) phosphocreatine re-synthesis can only take place in the presence of oxygen
