Muscles and Energy
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State that Energy is released by respiration in the form of ATP

Outline the relationship between ATP and muscle, in aerobic and anaerobic respiration

·         ATP supplies in muscles provide enough energy only for the first few seconds of exercise

·         Anaerobic respiration can supply energy only for up to two minutes of high intensity exercise

·         Aerobic respiration can supply energy indefinitely for low intensity activity

Explain how Lactate produced in anaerobic respiration is passed to the liver and creates an oxygen debt

ATP is broken down in the contractile reaction to form ADP and P_i, which can then be recycled into the pathway. The lactate, a waste product, diffuses out of the muscle and is transported by the blood to the liver. The removal of lactate from the muscle is slower than its production; if the muscle contracts for an extended period, the accumulation of lactate in the muscle causes fatigue and ultimately muscle cramps.

Explain the Repayment of Oxygen debt

• Physiologically oxygen debt is repaid via deep and rapid breathing
• Lactate (20% of it) broken down to CO₂ and H₂0.
• Oxygen absorbed is used to oxidise the lactate to carbon dioxide and water, thereby removing it, while at the same time replenishing the depleted stores of ATP and oxygen in the tissue
• The ATP produced by this breakdown used to reconvert remaining 80% to glucose
• Lactate = Lactic Acid and 2 Oxopropanoate

Explain the Role of myoglobin in muscles