ATP and Photocreatine provide the energy for muscle contraction

ATP and Photocreatine provide the energy for muscle contraction

So much energy is needed when muscles contract that ATP gets used up very quickly. ATP has to be continually generated so exercise can continue – this happens in three main ways:

1. Aerobic respiration

Most ATP is generated via oxidative phosphorylation in the cell’s mitochondria.

Aerobic respiration only works when there’s oxygen so it’s good for long periods of low-intensity exercise.

1. Anaerobic respiration

ATP is made rapidly…