ATP HQ
What does ATP stand for?
Adenosine triphospate
What fuel is used by the ATP–CP system?
Creatine phosphate (CP)
Is the ATP–CP system aerobic or anaerobic?
DD: What is the largest living structure on Earth?
Anaerobic
DD: Great Barrier Reef
What is the main fuel used by anaerobic glycolysis?
Glycogen/glucose
Which type of recovery is recommended after an activity dominated by ATP–CP: active or passive?
Passive recovery
What does Pi stand for?
DD: What is the 5th planet from the Sun?
Inorganic Phosphate
DD: Jupiter
What is the stored form of glucose called?
Glycogen
Approximately how long can ATP–CP remain the major contributor during maximal exercise?
Around 0–10 seconds
Does anaerobic glycolysis require oxygen?
DD: What is the capital of Germany?
No
DD: Berlin
Approximately what percentage of CP stores can be restored after 3 minutes of passive recovery?
DD: How many Pyramids of Giza were made?
Approximately 98%
DD: 3
Complete the equation: ATP → ADP + Pi + ______
Energy
Where is glycogen mainly stored in the body?
DD: What is the 6th digit of pi?
Muscles and liver
DD: 9
What are the rate and yield of the ATP–CP system?
Most rapid/fastest rate and very small/lowest yield
Name the two important by-products of anaerobic glycolysis.
Lactate and hydrogen ions (H⁺)
What intensity and duration should an active recovery generally involve?
Around 50–60% MHR for 5–10 minutes
Why must ATP be continually resynthesised during exercise?
The body stores only a small amount of ATP, which lasts approximately 1–2 seconds of maximal exercise, so it must continually be rebuilt.
Name the four major fuels we have learnt can provide energy for ATP resynthesis.
Creatine phosphate, carbohydrates/glycogen, fats and protein
Why does the ATP–CP system have such a limited capacity?
DD: How many sides does a dodecagon have?
CP stores in the muscles are small and rapidly depleted.
DD: 12
What is the major fatigue-limiting factor associated with anaerobic glycolysis?
Accumulation of hydrogen ions (H⁺)
Why is active recovery recommended after heavy use of anaerobic glycolysis?
It maintains blood flow, activates the skeletal muscle pump, and helps accelerate the removal/oxidation of H⁺ and other metabolic by-products.
Explain what is meant by the statement “ATP is the energy currency of the cell.”
ATP is the usable form of energy for cells. When ATP breaks down, energy is released for processes such as muscle contraction.
Which fuel can provide energy for ATP resynthesis under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions?
Glycogen/carbohydrate
An athlete performs one maximal 8-second sprint. Justify why ATP–CP would be the major contributor.
It is maximal intensity and short duration, requires a very rapid rate of ATP resynthesis, and CP can provide energy quickly without oxygen. Only a small yield is required.
During a maximal 400 m sprint, why does anaerobic glycolysis become more important as the race continues? (approx. 45-60 seconds)
CP stores become depleted, so anaerobic glycolysis increases its contribution to meet the high ATP demand. It can provide ATP at a fast rate for longer than ATP–CP.
A long jumper and a 400 m runner have both just competed. Which recovery should each use, and why?
Long jumper: passive to replenish CP stores quickly.
400 m runner: active to maintain blood flow and assist removal/oxidation of H⁺ following significant anaerobic glycolysis.