Energy Systems

 When we exercise, the body converts energy from food into energy for
muscle contractions in order to produce movements e.g., running and
jumping.

 The intensity and duration of an activity play an important role in the

way in which energy is provided.

 For example, in the 100 metres energy is required very quickly, and as
for the marathon, energy needs to be provided for a very long time.

 We need a constant supply of energy to perform everyday tasks e.g.,

tissue repair and body growth.

 The more exercise we do, the more energy is required.

ATP

 In the body the energy we use for muscle contractions comes from
adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is the only usable form of chemical
energy in the body – nothing else makes your muscles contract.

 The energy we derive from foods that we eat, such as carbohydrates, is

broken down to release energy that is used to form ATP – we must
convert and break down food into a usable state.

 ATP consists of one molecule of adenosine and three (tri) phosphates.

 The energy that is stored in ATP is released by breaking down the bonds
that hold this compound together.

 To break down ATP, the enzyme ATPase is used.

 The result is adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) and an organic phosphate
(Pi) (ATPase breaks down ATP, producing ADP + Pi + Energy)