Key Terminology

The key terminology on energy systems for term 3

Aerobic Glycolysis

The breakdown of glycogen in the presence of oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, water and heat.

Anaerobic glycolysis

The breakdown of glycogen with insufficient oxygen, resulting in the production of lactic acid, lactate and hydrogen ions

Energy systems interplay

A situation where all three energy systems contribute to ATP production, with one system being the major ATP producer at any time

Adenosine Triphosphate

A chemical compound made up of adenosine and 3 phosphate molecules. Energy released by its breakdown enables the release of energy for movement

Adenosine Diphosphate

A chemical compound made up of adenosine and 2 phosphate molecules.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi)

Term given to phosphate when bond has been broken second and 3rd phosphate in ATP molecule. The phosphate left on own is called ‘Pi’ until energy can be used to rejoin.

Creatine

A chemical compound found within muscle. when combined with phosphate, its used as fuel to remake ATP and can do so very rapidly.

Yield

How much ATP can be created by the energy system. The fuel being used has a certain capacity

Rate

How quickly an energy system can remake ATP. Determined by the complexity of the chemical process involved.

Mitochondria

Found within the muscle. It is the site of aerobic cellular respiration (aerobic production of ATP)

Food fuels

Either a food or chemical fuel used to remake ATP.

Food fuels.

Term given to a fuel used to remake ATP when in the form it is ingested as i.e. carbohydrates, fats, proteins.

Energy substrate

Broken down form of the fuel, used to remake ATP i.e. glucose, free fatty acids, amino acids, creatine phosphate.

Glycogen sparing

Long term adaptation from aerobic training that allows the athlete to use fats more readily due to an increased availability of oxygen .

VO2MAX

The max amount of oxygen that can be taken up, transported and utilized per minute.

Lactate inflection Point (LIP)

The maximal intensity at which lactate entry into and removal from the blood are balanced.