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Aerobic energy system

Energy taken during the breakdown of food manufactures Adenosine triphosphate

(ATP). The energy required for exercise can be obtained by burning food stores

With oxygen (obtained by breathing). This aerobic system works by the breakdown of carbohydrate, fatty acids and some amino acids. This system uses slow twitch fibres and as it requires oxygen it can run for longer.

Anaerobic energy system

This system relies on the release of energy from food stores in the body

Without the use of oxygen. This type of energy system is used in short bursts of

Intensive activity and results in the accumulation of a waste product called lactic acid, which results in muscle fatigue.

There are two types of anaerobic systems:

(1)The ATP-PC system (Alactic)

(2)The anaerobic glycolysis (Lactic) from degradation of glucose/glycogen.

The ATP-PC system is found in both muscle fibre types, it doesn’t require oxygen and doesn’t produce oxygen. It is used for dynamic quick actions e.g. a tennis serve.

The anaerobic glycolysis (Lactic) system doesn't require oxygen but does produce lactic acid and is normally used for activities that last between 10 seconds and a minute.

The aerobic energy system is usually the first to be used, when you’re active the demand for energy increases, as does the demand for more oxygen by the muscles. This extra demand for oxygen is met by an increase in the rate and depth of breathing and an increase in blood

supply due to increased heart rate. Respiration and the Creation of ATP

ATP is created via respiration in both animals and plants. The difference with plants is the fact they attain their food from elsewhere (see photosynthesis).

In essence, materials are harnessed to create ATP for biological processes. The energy can be created via cell respiration. The process of respiration occurs in 3 steps (when oxygen is present):

•    Glycolysis

•    The Krebs’s Cycle

The Cytochrome System