Energy Systems

Energy Systems

1. ATP/CP System alactacid system

   • How it works = Stores and transfers energy to body cells, allowing them to perform their specialised functions e.g. muscle contractions.
   • Fuel= sugars, amino acids and fatty acids.
   • Efficiency of ATP production= The alactacid system functions to make ATP rapidly available.
   • Duration= ATP gone after 2 seconds of hard work. Creatine Phosphate goes after 1- to 15 seconds of hard work.
   • Casues of fatigue= Inability of system to continually resynthesise ADP from CP becuase CP supplies are quickly exhausted.
   • By products= Heat is produced during the process of muscular contraction.
   • Recovery= Within 2 minutes most of the ATP and CP supplies have been fully restored. 50% of CP within 30 seconds.
   • Excercises suitable for this activity= activities using explosive movements such as weightlifting, discus, shotput)

2. Lactic acid system (no oxygen)

   • How it works= No oxygen needed for this system to run. Lactic acid system is the reserve fuel after ATP/PC. Following 10-12 seconds of maximal exercise.
   • Fuel= two forms of Carbohydrate which is; -glucose in the blood. -in the storage form called glycogen.
   • efficiency of ATP production= Provides ATP quickly but this requires large quantities of glucose. 3 moles of ATP form 180 grams of glycogen.
   • Duration= Depends on intensitty. near maximal=exhaustion in 30 seconds. 70-80%=exhaustion in 3 to 4 mins.
   • Causes of fatigue=Lactic acid levels building up within the muscle cells.
   • by products= -lactic acid diffusing from the muscle and into the bloodstream. - in Liver, lactic acid reconverted into glycogen and can once again be used as a source of fuel.
   • Recovery= 30 minutes to 1 hour.
   • Excercises suitable for this activity= 200m, 400m, 800m sprint.

3. Aerobic glycolysis system

   • How it works= exercise lopnge rthan few mintues requires presence of oxygen to ensure continuation of muscle contraction. During exercise, gradually becomes available as the oxygen-rich blood fills the muscle cells, This allows "aerobic pathway" top become main supplier of ATP.
   • Fuel= carbohydrate is preferred. Fat is used as fuel if exercise continues beyond 1 hour or so and becomes dominant energy.
   • Efficiency of ATP production= 39 moles of ATP from 180 grams of glycogen.
   • Durati9on= Total amount of glycogen in body is approximatly 350 grams. 350 grams of glycogen allows 12 hours of rest or 1 hour of ahrd work.