Explain how the rate of ATP production affects an athlete's performance in a 200 metre sprint. (6 marks)
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- The ATP-PCr system produces ATP rapidly from creatine phosphate breakdown to power explosive acceleration in the first 10-15 metres of the race, providing immediate energy without oxygen requirements for maximal power output.
- As phosphocreatine stores deplete within 10-15 seconds, the glycolytic system becomes the main ATP producer through rapid glucose and glycogen breakdown, allowing continued high-intensity effort through the middle section of the race.
- The aerobic system contributes minimal ATP due to its slow production rate compared to anaerobic systems and the significant oxygen deficit created during maximal sprinting intensity at race pace.
- The glycolytic system’s rapid ATP production rate creates lactic acid as a metabolic by-product, which begins to accumulate in working muscles and interfere with continued energy production processes.
- Muscle enzyme function and contraction efficiency become progressively impaired as lactic acid accumulates, causing muscle pH to decrease and reducing the overall rate of ATP production available for muscle contraction.
- Running speed decreases significantly in the final 50 metres as the declining rate of ATP production from fatigued energy systems can no longer support maximal sprint intensity, forcing pace reduction despite tactical demands.
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Sample Answer
- The ATP-PCr system produces ATP rapidly from creatine phosphate breakdown to power explosive acceleration in the first 10-15 metres of the race, providing immediate energy without oxygen requirements for maximal power output.
- As phosphocreatine stores deplete within 10-15 seconds, the glycolytic system becomes the main ATP producer through rapid glucose and glycogen breakdown, allowing continued high-intensity effort through the middle section of the race.
- The aerobic system contributes minimal ATP due to its slow production rate compared to anaerobic systems and the significant oxygen deficit created during maximal sprinting intensity at race pace.
- The glycolytic system’s rapid ATP production rate creates lactic acid as a metabolic by-product, which begins to accumulate in working muscles and interfere with continued energy production processes.
- Muscle enzyme function and contraction efficiency become progressively impaired as lactic acid accumulates, causing muscle pH to decrease and reducing the overall rate of ATP production available for muscle contraction.
- Running speed decreases significantly in the final 50 metres as the declining rate of ATP production from fatigued energy systems can no longer support maximal sprint intensity, forcing pace reduction despite tactical demands.