Energy systems

Question 1

Where does the energy our bodies use for muscle contraction come from?

Answer 1

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) 
It is the only usable form of chemical energy in the body.

Question 2

What molecules does ATP consist of?

Answer 2

One molecule Adenosine and three molecules phosphates.

Question 3

How is the energy released from the ATP?

Answer 3

Enzymes (in this instance ATPase) break down the bonds that hold this compound together causing ATP to become ADP (Adenosine diphosphate). One of the phosphate molecules are removed to become energy to power muscles.

Question 4

What is ATP?

Answer 4

It is an energy-carrying compound molecule used in cells because it can release energy very quickly.

Question 5

Where does ATP come from?

Answer 5

It comes from the food we eat such as carbohydrates, fats and protein.

Question 6

How is ADP converted back to ATP?

Answer 6

There are 3 energy systems to stick the free phosphate back to make ATP from ADP.

1) ATP-PC system
2) Lactic acid energy system/anaerobic glycolytic system
3) Aerobic energy system