Energy Systems Worksheet 7-12

Summary Questions
Can you answer all these? If so, you really understand energy systems!
1 How many seconds of explosive movement can be sustained by the stored ATP in your muscles?
About 2 seconds.

2 What happens next? Explain how the next process works.

The ATP-CP system is used. Creatine phosphate, also stored in the muscles, breaks down

to release a high energy phosphate. This combines with ADP to give ATP again.

Creatin phosphate = creatine + phosphate. Phosphate + ADP = ATP

3 How many seconds of movement may be sustained by this process?

About 10 seconds.

4 Name (a) one activity which might be powered by the ATP in your muscles ONLY, and (b) one
activity which might call on the ATP-CP system as well.

(a) Any activity involving a quick burst of movement.

(b) A team game, e.g. hockey.

5 When you have used up all the creatine phosphate in your store, what happens next? Explain how
the next process works.

The lactic acid system is used. Sugar in the form of glycogen, also stored in the muscles,

reacts chemically to produce limited amounts of ATP.

6 How many seconds of movement may be sustained by this process?

About 2 minutes: about 120 seconds.

7 What is the disadvantage of this process?

Lactic acid forms as a by-product and this causes muscles to feel stiff and fatigued.

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 Energy Systems Worksheet 7-13

Summary Questions (cont'd)

8 Why are the Lactic acid and ATP-CP systems referred to as anaerobic?
They take place without the help of oxygen.

9 Why is oxygen unavailable to these systems?

Lactic acid forms as a by-product and this causes muscles to feel stiff and

fatigued.

10 How is the store of ATP in your muscles replaced when you are not exercising strenuously?
Food and oxygen combine to produce ATP.

11 What are the by-products of this system?

Water and carbon dioxide.

12 Why is this system called aerobic metabolism?

Aerobic means with oxygen and metabolism is the process of building up body tissue

from food and then breaking it down to provide energy.

13 Name one activity which might use aerobic metabolism as the main energy pathway.
Any sustained activity such as distance running.

14 How can you help to reduce lactic acid build-up?

Include a cool-down routine in your training.

Mentor Body Systems 157