The document explains the ATP energy system, detailing how adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced and utilized by the body for energy through various metabolic pathways. It highlights the role of ATP in cellular functions, the importance of nutrients in energy production, and the specific energy systems used during different types of exercise. Additionally, it outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using these energy systems, particularly in high-intensity activities.

1. ATP Energy System

2. What is energy and where do we get it
from?
 Energy is what gives us the capacity to do stuff, which includes:
-Muscular contractions (movement)
-Circulation
-Transmissions of nerve impulses
-Digestion of foods
-Repairing and replacing tissues
 It is the bodies fuel, and is in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate),
made by 3 energy systems. ATP is found in almost every cell and the
majority of ATP is made in the mitochondria.
 We get most of our energy from food such as carbohydrates, proteins and
fats.

3. ATP
 Major energy currency of all cells is a nucleotide
 The ability of ATP to store and release energy is due to its molecular
structure.
 Each molecule has three subunits: (a) adenine-a double ringed nitrogenous
base; (b) a ribose – a five-carbon sugar; and (c) three phosphate groups in a
linear chain.

5. Energy from ATP
 ATP is stored in limited quantities in the muscle, so each
muscle fibre must be able to create it’s own from the food
fuels.
 ATP is an adenosine molecule with three phosphate molecules
attached.
 For release of energy, one phosphate molecule breaks off,
releasing energy and creating adenosine diphospate (ADP).
 As long as there are sufficient energy substrate this process can
be reversed with the use of food fuels and ATP is rebuilt with
the addition of another phosphate molecule.

6. Nutrients that give us energy:
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Glucose
Fatty acids
Amino Acids
Digestion
Absorbed into the blood & transported to cells
(muscle, liver & nerve)
They are used to produce ATP or stored

7. ATP is stored in small amounts, therefore the rest is
stored as:
•Glucose = Glycogen (muscle & liver)
•Fatty Acids = Body fat
•Amino Acids = Growth, repair or excreted as waste

8. The ATP Molecule
Adenosine
Adenosine
Energy
a. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
b. The breakdown of ATP:
P
P
P
P
P P
ATP = ADP + energy for biological work + P
(ADP = Adenosine Diphosphate)
Energy for cellular function

9. Predominant Energy Pathways
•ATP (2-3 seconds)
•ATP-CP Energy System (8-10 seconds)
•Anaerobic Energy System (2-3 minutes)
•Aerobic Energy System (3 minutes +)

10. Creatine Phosphate
 An organic compound of creatine and phosphoric acid; found in the muscles of vert
ebrates where its hydrolysis releases energy for muscular contraction.
 This is ATP which is stored in the muscles, readily available. It works by getting
creatine phosphate and attaching it to Adenosine Diphosphate. This creates ATP.
 It works without the presence of oxygen, meaning it is anaerobic. As a result it
works for a limited amount of time, about 5-10 seconds, as there is also limited
creatine phosphate available.
 Creatine phosphate is produced and stored in the muscles.
 Body first uses up any ATP stored in the muscle (about 2-3 seconds worth) and then
it uses creatine phosphate (CP) to re-synthesize ATP until the CP runs out (another
6-8 seconds).

11. The Immediate Re-synthesis of ATP by CP
Creatine
P
Creatine P
Energy
High energy bond
a. Creatine Phosphate (CP)
b. CP = Creatine + energy for re-synthesis of ATP + P
Adenosine P
P
P
c. ADP + energy from CP + P = ATP (reversal of ATP = ADP + P + energy for work)

12.  Body has a larger storage of PC compared to ATP
 PC stores can be replenished through aerobic recovery.
 Once PC stores are depleted, they body must use glycogen through the
anaerobic pathway.
 After the ATP and CP are used the body will move on to either aerobic or
anaerobic metabolism (glycolysis) to continue to create ATP to fuel exercise.

13. Sports the system is used in
 It works when energy is required instantaneously during
high intensity exercise. It is mainly used in track and field
event sports such as 100 and 200 meter sprints.
 It requires the use of fast twitch muscle fibers as they are
used for high intensity movement and strength over a
short period of time.
 The recovery rate after using this system is around 1
minute and 30 seconds, although this depends on the
duration, intensity and fitness levels of the person.

14. Advantages and Disadvantages
 Advantages- You are able to perform high intensity
exercise, without needing oxygen, while also producing no
by products. It is also the quickest system of them all and
does not take too long too recover.
 Disadvantages- It can only be used for a short amount of
time, as you only have limited creatine phosphate
available. The use of this system will also lead to a large
oxygen debt.

15. Overview of the 3 systems

16. 0 sec 4 sec 10 sec 1.5 min 3 min +
Strength – Power:
power lift, shot put, golf swing
Sustained Power:
sprints, fast breaks, football
Anaerobic Power – Endurance:
200-400 m dash, 100 m swim
Aerobic Endurance:
Beyond 800 m run
Immediate/short-term Aerobic-oxidative
non-oxidative systems system