3 Energy Systems of The Body
Our body is able to adjust the way it obtains energy depending on the physical activity. We distinguish between a pair of energy systems, whose task is to ensure continuity in the exercise:
- ATP hydrolysis
- Hydrolysis of creatine phosphate
- Glycolysis
ATP hydrolysis
The output concentration of ATP in the muscles during exercise is low. ATP at rest may be sufficient for two seconds of a sprint. During the very intensive activity, ATP concentration may increase one hundred times over the resting state. During the exercise, ATP resynthesis processes are immediately stimulated.
Hydrolysis of creatine phosphate
Every person involved in professional or amateur sport must have heard about creatine. Well, this compound is stored in the body – mainly in the muscles, kidneys, liver, and brain in the form of phosphocreatine. Our body can produce about 1g of creatine per day. To increase the amount of phosphocreatine in the body it is necessary to supplement with one of the many available forms of creatine on the market, including monohydrate, malate.
The acquisition of ATP from phosphocreatine consists of a reaction with the use of enzyme creatine kinase. This enzyme causes the transfer of phosphate group from phosphocreatine to ADP molecule and very colloquially simplifying it causes the generation of ATP, i.e. energy to work for the cell.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The role of glycolysis is based on 10 reactions. Its main purpose is to convert a glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules, where energy is produced in the form of two ATP molecules. Pyruvate is then converted to lactate. This reaction has many functions, including lowering the pH inside the muscles, which contributes to the release of oxygen and allows for maximum physical effort. The lowering of pH also irritates the nerve endings in the muscles which result in pain and leads to fatigue and reduced physical activity. In this way, the muscles defend themselves against the risk of injury and force the need for regeneration. The lactate mentioned above is transported to the liver, where it is transformed again into glucose and the process circles.