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The phosphocreatine (PC) system uses a substance called creatine phosphate to 'glue' or
resynthesise the third phosphate molecule back on to ADP to make ATP. It is capable of
reforming ATP very quickly, however, because there is only a very small amount of creatine
phosphate stored in the muscles the energy supply is very limited. No oxygen is required for this
This system can only be used for immediate or very short bursts of activity such as throwing a
ball or running for a bus. It is used at the start of exercise for activities which require a brief
maximal effort, for example, explosive events such as the long jump, javelin or 100m and is
As energy demands continue after the initial burst of activity the body has to utilise other energy
systems such as the lactic acid system to continue to make more ATP.