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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 758

Compare and contrast the efficiency of ATP production in the three energy systems and explain how this affects the duration and intensity of activities where each system is predominant.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • ATP-PCr system produces ATP rapidly but has limited stores (approximately 90g of ATP and 120g of PCr), allowing only 10-15 seconds of high-intensity activity.
  • The glycolytic system produces ATP at a moderate rate by partially breaking down glucose anaerobically, supporting 30-45 seconds of high-intensity activity.
  • The aerobic system produces ATP efficiently but more slowly, enabling sustained energy production for activities lasting minutes to hours.
  • The ATP-PCr system supports maximal intensity (>95% of maximum heart rate) activities due to rapid ATP production, but quickly fatigues due to limited PCr stores.
  • The glycolytic system supports high, sub-maximal intensity (85-95% of maximum heart rate) activities but accumulates lactic acid, limiting duration to approximately 30 seconds at peak output.
  • The aerobic system supports sub-maximal intensity (\(\leq\)85% of maximum heart rate) activities due to its efficiency in completely metabolising fuels with oxygen, allowing for sustained energy production.
  • The interplay between rate of ATP production and total ATP production capacity determines the specific performance profile of each energy system.
  • The inverse relationship between ATP production rate and total capacity determines each system’s optimal application to specific activity demands.
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Sample Answer 

  • ATP-PCr system produces ATP rapidly but has limited stores (approximately 90g of ATP and 120g of PCr), allowing only 10-15 seconds of high-intensity activity.
  • The glycolytic system produces ATP at a moderate rate by partially breaking down glucose anaerobically, supporting 30-45 seconds of high-intensity activity.
  • The aerobic system produces ATP efficiently but more slowly, enabling sustained energy production for activities lasting minutes to hours.
  • The ATP-PCr system supports maximal intensity (>95% of maximum heart rate) activities due to rapid ATP production, but quickly fatigues due to limited PCr stores.
  • The glycolytic system supports high, sub-maximal intensity (85-95% of maximum heart rate) activities but accumulates lactic acid, limiting duration to approximately 30 seconds at peak output.
  • The aerobic system supports sub-maximal intensity (\(\leq\)85% of maximum heart rate) activities due to its efficiency in completely metabolising fuels with oxygen, allowing for sustained energy production.
  • The interplay between rate of ATP production and total ATP production capacity determines the specific performance profile of each energy system.
  • The inverse relationship between ATP production rate and total capacity determines each system’s optimal application to specific activity demands.