Transcript The creatine phosphate system

The Creatine Phosphate
System
You have already learned that during
strenuous activity muscle cells break down
ATP, releasing ADP, phosphate and energy.
ATP
ADP + Pi +
Energy
Creatine phosphate in muscle cells breaks
down to provide phosphate and energy to
convert ADP back to ATP.
In your group discuss why this benefits
contracting muscle.
Answer…
This can help to maximise muscle
contraction by making ATP available very
quickly.
This can only happen for a short period of
time. It will stop once the creatine phosphate
stored in the muscle has been used up.
Where does the creatine
phosphate come from?
When demand for energy is low the ATP
produced by respiration is used as a source
of phosphate and energy to produce
creatine phosphate. This acts as an energy
store in the muscles.
Summary
Copy and complete the diagram below:
Creatine
ATP
Creatine
phosphate
• Phosphate and energy are being
transferred between molecules.
• This is a very fast way of producing ATP
for a short period of time.
Creatine supplements
Many athletes take creatine supplements.
Why do you think they do this?
What sort of sports would this be an
advantage in?
Answer…
When athletes take creatine in supplements it
is converted into creatine phosphate in the
muscles. Taking supplements maximises the
levels of creatine phosphate stored in the
muscles, therefore the amount of energy
stored is also maximised.
Creatine is not banned by major sporting
bodies. It may be of most use in activities
where short bursts of energy are required.
Can you think of any?
Assessment
Your task is to write an article on creatine
supplements for a sporting magazine.
Your article should include:
• a description of what creatine phosphate is
used for by the body
• a description of the role of creatine
supplements
• the type of activities that may benefit from
creatine supplements
• any other information you think is relevant.
Remember…
Most importantly your article should be easy
to follow and make sense.
Do not copy and paste text – put any
research you do into your own words.
The people reading a sporting magazine
may not be scientists. They have to be able
to understand the article.