Energy systems – Advantages and disadvantages
Alactic system – ATP/PC system – Phosphagen system
Advantages
It provides ATP re-synthesis very quickly
because the PC is stored in the muscle cell and
it is a simple reaction
As no oxygen is needed there is no delay for
oxygen to be supplied from the lungs
It can provide energy for very high intensity
exercise such as high jump, kicking a ball or
hitting a powerful tennis serve
PC will re-synthesise quite quickly and so
recovery times for this system are short.
There are no harmful by-products
The Lactic Acid System –
Advantages
Produces 2ATP = more than ATP-PC system
There is a relatively large amount of glycogen
stored in the body and so this system can
provide more ATP than the PC system
There are still relatively few chemical reactions
taking place during glycolysis and so ATP can be
provided quickly for high-intensity activities
that last from 15-180 seconds
As no oxygen is needed there is no delay for
oxygen to be supplied from the lungs
The Aerobic system
Advantages
A large amount of ATP can be re-synthesised.
36-38 moles of ATP from one mole of glycogen
– even more from fats
Very efficient system – with good O2 supply
Energy can be supplied for long periods
There are no harmful by-products = no fatigue
Disadvantages
There is only a small amount of PC stored in the
muscle cells
Only one molecule of ATP is re-synthesised
from one molecule of PC
It will only provide energy for a maximum of ten
seconds
Disadvantages
Not as quick as ATP-PC system
The by-product – lactic acid – lowers pH in the
muscle cell making it more acidic. This prevents
enzymes from functioning properly and so
causes muscle fatigue
Only lasts for around 40 seconds at highest
intensity – up to 3 mins at lower intensity
Net effect is pain and fatigue
Disadvantages
Slow starting system. There is a delay whilst
sufficient oxygen is delivered from the lungs to
the working muscles so this system cannot
provide large amounts of ATP immediately
More complex series of reactions = slower
The system cannot produce ATP while working
at higher intensities, again due to the
difficulties in delivering enough oxygen to the
working muscles
Requires more O2 supply (15%+) for fat
metabolism
Energy systems – Advantages and disadvantages

Alactic system – ATP/PC system – Phosphagen system

Advantages Disadvantages

The Lactic Acid System –

Advantages Disadvantages

The Aerobic system

Advantages Disadvantages