The Creatine Phosphate System

1
The Creatine Phosphate System
2

• You have already learned that during strenuous
  activity muscle cells break down ATP, releasing
  ADP, phosphate and energy.

3

• 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.

4
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.

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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.

6
Summary

• Copy and complete the diagram below

• Phosphate and energy are being transferred
  between molecules.
• This is a very fast way of producing ATP for a
  short period of time.

7
Creatine supplements

• Many athletes take creatine supplements.
• Why do you think they do this?
• What sort of sports would this be an advantage
  in?

8
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?

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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.

10
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.