Energy Systems A level PE AQA

Adenosine Triphosphate

The only useable form of energy in the body

Glycolysis

A process in which glucose is converted to pyruvate to produce energy

Sarcoplasm

The fluid that surrounds the nucleus of a muscle fibre and is the site where anaerobic glycolysis takes place

Krebs cycle

A series of cyclical chemical reactions that take place using oxygen in the matrix of the mitochondria

Electron Transport chain

Involves a series of chemical reactions in the cristae of the mitochondria where hydrogen is oxidised to water and 34 ATP are produced

Phosocreatine

An energy-rich phosphate compound found in the sarcoplasm of the muscles

Anaerobic

A reaction that can occur without the presence of oxygen

coupled reactions

when energy required by one process is supplied by another process

Anaerobic glycolytic system

produces high powered energy for high intensity effort in events such as the 400m

Energy continnum

A term which describes the type of respiration used by physical activiries. Whether it is aerobic or anaerobic respiration depends on the intensity and duration of the exercise.

Oxygen consumption

The amount of oxygen we use to produce ATP

VO2 max

The maximum volume of oxygen that can be taken up by the muscles per minute

Sub-maximal oxygen deficit

When there is not enough oxygen available at the start of exercise to provide all the energy (ATP) aerobically

EPOC

The amount of oxygen consumed during recovery above that which would have been consumed at rest during the same time

Fast component

The restoration of ATP and phosocreatine stores and the re-saturation of myoglobin with oxygen

The Cori Cycle

The process where lactic acid is transported in the blood to the liver wehre it is converted to blood glucose and glycogen

Lactate Threshold

The point during exercise at which lactic acid quickly accumulates in the blood

OBLA

The point when lactate levels go above 4 millimoles per litre. Onset of Blood Lactic Acid

Buffering

A process which aids the removal of lactate and maintains acidity levels in the blood and muscle

ATPase

Enzyme that breaks down the phosphate bond to create energy

glycogen phosphorylase

Enzyme breaks down glycogen into glucose

Phosphofructokinase

Enzyme that breaks down glucose into pyruvic acid

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Enzyme that breaks down pyruvic acid into Lactic Acid

Calorimetry

The calculation of heat in physical changes and chemical reactions

indirect calorimetry

Measures the production of CO2 and/or the consumption of O2

Direct gas analysis

Measures the concentration of oxygen that is inspired and the concentration of carbon dioxide that is required

cycle ergometer

A stationary bike that measures how much work is being performed

Respiratory Exchange Ratio

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced compared to oxygen consumed

Altitude training

Usually done at 2500m+ above sea level where the partial pressure of oxygen is lower.

Plyometrics

Involves repeated rapid stretching and contracting of muscles to increase muscle power