Interplay of energy systems

Question 1

why is energy required in the human body?

Answer 1

For growth, tissue repair, transport of substances, and muscle contraction.

Question 2

What determines how long muscular contractions can be sustained?

Answer 2

The energy system used to create energy.

Question 3

What is ATP and why is it important?

Answer 3

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the chemical energy currency of cells, used to power all metabolic activities, including muscle contraction.

Question 4

What are the components of an ATP molecule?

Answer 4

Adenosine + three phosphate groups (P–P–P)

Question 5

How is energy released from ATP?

Answer 5

Back: By breaking the bond of the outer phosphate group:
ATP → ADP + Pi + Energy

Question 6

How much ATP is stored in the body?

Answer 6

Only about 50–100 grams (0.1 mole), enough for 1–2 seconds of maximal effort.

Question 7

How much ATP does the body need per day?

Answer 7

Around 100–180 moles, equivalent to 50–75 kg.

Question 8

What is phosphorylation?

Answer 8

A process where a phosphate group is added to ADP to resynthesise ATP.

Question 9

What is required to resynthesise ATP?

Answer 9

ADP + Pi + Energy from fuel breakdown.

Question 10

What are the fuels used to resynthesise ATP?

Answer 10

Creatine phosphate, glycogen (carbohydrates), fats, and protein.

Question 11

What are the three energy systems for ATP resynthesis?

Answer 11

ATP–CP system

Anaerobic glycolysis system

Aerobic system

Question 12

What is aerobic metabolism?

Answer 12

ATP resynthesis that requires oxygen; uses the aerobic energy system.

Question 13

What is anaerobic metabolism?

Answer 13

Back: ATP resynthesis without oxygen; uses the ATP–CP and anaerobic glycolysis systems

Question 14

What is creatine phosphate

Answer 14

A high energy compound stored in muscles that rapidly resynthesise ATP anaerobically.

Question 15

When is CP used

Answer 15

during short duration, explosive activities like sprints or jumps.

Question 16

where does creatine come from?

Answer 16

50% from food, 50% made by the lover and kidneys.

Question 17

What is the storage form of carbohydrates in the body?

Answer 17

Glycogen (stored in muscles and liver).

Question 18

What are the two types of carbohydrates?

Answer 18

simple (fast energy) and complex (slow energy).

Question 19

When are carbs used as the main energy source?

Answer 19

During moderate to high-intensity activity.

Question 20

What % of daily intake should come from carbs?

Answer 20

55–65% (or up to 80% for endurance athletes).

Question 21

What is the main role of fats in energy production?

Answer 21

Provide a large energy yield at rest or low intensity (9 kcal/g).

Question 22

Why aren’t fats the main fuel at high intensity?

Answer 22

They break down slowly and require more oxygen.

Question 23

What are fats stored as in the body?

Answer 23

Triglycerides in muscle and adipose tissue.

Question 24

Recommended fat intake?

Answer 24

20–25% of daily energy.

Question 25

When does protein contribute to ATP resynthesis?

Answer 25

Only during extreme situations like starvation or ultra-endurance events.

Question 26

Main role of protein in the body?

Answer 26

Muscle repair, growth, and recovery

Question 27

What are proteins broken down into?

Answer 27

Amino acids (essential and non-essential).

Question 28

Daily recommended protein intake?

Answer 28

About 15% (more for strength athletes).

Question 29

Which fuels can be used aerobically and anaerobically?

Answer 29

Carbohydrates (glycogen).

Question 30

What is the fastest fuel for ATP resynthesis?

Answer 30

Creatine phosphate (CP).

Question 31

What fuel provides the most energy per gram?

Answer 31

Fats (9 kcal/g vs. 4 kcal/g for carbs and protein).

Question 32

What happens when carbs and protein are consumed together post-exercise?

Answer 32

Greater insulin release → faster glycogen replenishment and muscle repair.

Question 33

What happens when carbs and protein are consumed together post-exercise? Good examples of recovery snacks?

Answer 33

A: Greater insulin release → faster glycogen replenishment and muscle repair. A: Yoghurt, fruit smoothie, milk drink, lean meat/cheese sandwich. 🥗 Daily Intake Recommendations Carbs: 55–65% (60–80% for athletes) Fats: 20–25% Protein: 15% (more for strength athletes)