Exercise and Muscle Action | ATP Energy Source for Muscle Action
Resistance exercise complemented by aerobic exercise, regular stretching and the correct and adequate source of energy make up a total fitness plan that highly lends to health, fitness and goals to improve the overall quality of life. The energy that human cells use derives from the chemical bonds that are found between the atoms in carbohydrates, fats, protein and alcohol.
Cells however can not use energy released from breaking down glucose or triglycerides. In order to utilize the chemical energy in foods they must convert it to a particular form called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
The breakdown of ATP by the cells to Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) and Pi (inorganic phosphate) frees usable energy for all cells function including locomotion (from muscle contraction). Muscle cells at rest contain just a small amount of ATP to have them functioning for about 3 to 4 seconds. However, when the muscle works for more extended periods of time the body’s need for additional ATP is met from phosphocreatine (PCr) a high energy compound that is stored in the cells of the muscle. PCr is formed by the amino acid derivative creatine; arginine, glycine and methionine synthesis.
While carbohydrates, fats and proteins release also useable energy sources, during relaxation periods the muscles synthesize phosphocreatine (PCr) from ATP and creatine to build up stores. When muscle contraction takes place and ADP starts to build up from the breakdown of ATP, a high energy Pi from PCr is transferred to ADP, with the help of an enzyme, to reform ATP. PCr can maintain maximum muscle contraction for about 10 seconds. However, since glucose and fatty acids when metabolized release energy and contribute ATP this results in PCr lasting up to 60 seconds.
The advantage of PCr is that can serve as a major source of energy for events up to 1 minute, can be activated instantly and replenish ATP fast enough to meet the uttermost exercise intensity demands of the most powerful and fastest sport events. The only disadvantage is the amounts created and stored in the muscles are not enough to sustain ATP supply for more than a few minutes.
exercise, ATP, Adenosine Triphosphate
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