Lecture Notes

What is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy currency of the cell, consisting of adenine, ribose, and three linked phosphates.

Why is ATP important?

ATP releases energy when broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, powering endergonic reactions such as muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis.

Which macromolecules are responsible for most ATP production?

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can all produce ATP but carbohydrates are preferred during high-intensity efforts.

What is the main product of anaerobic glycolysis?

2 ATP per glucose molecule, with a low efficiency of 6-7%.

How does the body produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation?

Using oxygen to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, producing 30-33 ATP from one glucose molecule.

What is the efficiency of aerobic respiration?

34% efficiency in producing ATP from glucose.

What does VO2max measure?

Maximal oxygen uptake, reflecting the body's ability to transport and use oxygen for ATP production during exercise.

What role does lactate play during exercise?

Lactate serves as a potential fuel source and can be converted back to pyruvate for ATP production.

What happens during the Cori Cycle?

Lactate is converted to glucose in the liver through gluconeogenesis.

How does exercise intensity affect fuel source utilization?

As intensity increases, the body preferentially uses carbohydrates over fats due to faster metabolism.

What is the lactate threshold?

The exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood; training can raise this threshold.

What factors contribute to EPOC after exercise?

Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption is affected by exercise intensity, duration, and individual fitness level.

What mechanisms enhance glucose availability during high-intensity exercise?

Increased glycogen breakdown, GLUT-4 transporters' activity, and liver glucose release.

How do muscle fiber types affect performance?

Different muscle fibers (Type I, Type II) have varying capacities for endurance and strength, impacting overall athletic performance.

What is the relationship between carbohydrate consumption and performance?

Carbohydrate intake during exercise can delay fatigue and improve performance by maintaining blood glucose levels.

How does the body regulate muscle contraction?

Through motor units, which consist of muscle fibers that contract together under the stimulation of motor neurons.

What is the relationship between muscle fibers and fatigue?

Different muscle fibers (slow-twitch vs. fast-twitch) experience fatigue differently, influencing endurance and strength capabilities.

What causes lactic acid buildup during exercise?

Lactic acid accumulates when glucose is metabolized anaerobically, leading to potential fatigue.

What is the role of enzymes in ATP production pathways?

Enzymes facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions that are crucial for ATP synthesis during metabolic processes.

What influences VO2 max?

VO2 max is influenced by factors such as genetics, training, cardiac output, and muscle efficiency.

What is the function of the Golgi tendon organ?

It provides feedback regarding tension in muscles, contributing to the regulation of muscle contraction.

Why are the different pathways of ATP production necessary during exercise?

Different exercise intensities demand varying rates of ATP production, which the body meets through phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative systems.

What is glycolysis?

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a net gain of 2 ATP.

What are the end products of anaerobic metabolism?

Lactate and a small amount of ATP through glycolysis.

What is aerobic metabolism?

A process that uses oxygen to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP, yielding more energy compared to anaerobic metabolism.

What is the role of creatine phosphate in ATP production?

Creatine phosphate acts as a rapid energy source to regenerate ATP from ADP during high-intensity exercise.

What is the primary fuel source during low-intensity exercise?

Fat is the primary source of fuel during low-intensity, steady-state exercise.

How does training affect lactate threshold?

Regular training can increase lactate threshold, allowing athletes to perform at higher intensities before lactate accumulation begins.

What is the significance of oxygen debt?

Oxygen debt refers to the amount of oxygen required to restore the body to its pre-exercise state, which contributes to EPOC.

What are the effects of dehydration on performance?

Dehydration can significantly impair performance by reducing blood volume, increasing heart rate, and hindering thermoregulation.

How does hormonal response contribute to energy metabolism during exercise?

Hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and insulin regulate energy substrate availability and utilization during exercise.

What is the importance of post-exercise nutrition?

Post-exercise nutrition, especially carbohydrate and protein intake, aids in recovery by replenishing glycogen stores and repairing muscle tissue.

What adaptations occur in muscles due to resistance training?

Resistance training leads to muscle hypertrophy, increased strength, and improved neuromuscular efficiency.

How do antioxidants affect exercise performance?

Antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially aiding recovery and performance.

What is interval training?

A training method that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercise and low-intensity recovery, improving both aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

What is the principle of specificity in training?

The principle of specificity states that training adaptations are specific to the type of exercise performed, influencing the energy systems used.

How does altitude training affect athletic performance?

Altitude training can enhance VO2 max and endurance through increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen transport.

What role does protein play in muscle recovery?

Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth post-exercise, as it provides amino acids for muscle protein synthesis.