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Muscle cells utilise a variety of energy systems during strenuous activity - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 5 - 2015
Question 5
Muscle cells utilise a variety of energy systems during strenuous activity. (a) Creatine phosphate is found in muscle cells. (i) Describe how creatine phosphate su... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Muscle cells utilise a variety of energy systems during strenuous activity - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 5 - 2015
Step 1
Describe how creatine phosphate supports strenuous muscle activity.
Answer
Creatine phosphate plays a crucial role in energy production during short bursts of intense activity. It releases energy rapidly, which is essential for regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
When muscle cells require immediate energy, creatine phosphate donates a phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to convert it back to ATP, allowing muscles to sustain high levels of activity for a brief period.
Step 2
Explain why this support is not provided to strenuous activities beyond the first 10 seconds.
Answer
The supply of creatine phosphate in muscle cells is limited. Once the creatine phosphate stores are depleted, typically after about 10 seconds of intense activity, the muscles can no longer regenerate ATP quickly enough to meet energy demands for strenuous activity, leading to fatigue.
Step 3
Step 4
Choose a sporting activity and decide whether slow twitch or fast twitch muscle fibres would be best suited for the activity.
Answer
Sporting Activity: Any suitable endurance sport.
Slow twitch ✓ Fast twitch
Justification: Slow twitch muscle fibres are more suited for endurance activities as they contract relatively slowly and can sustain activity for longer periods. They have a high concentration of mitochondria, which helps to generate ATP through aerobic respiration, and they rely on a steady blood supply for sustained energy, making them ideal for prolonged exercise.