Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 11/17/2004

Question
Hello, I have just started an aerobics course and have attended my first class on the anatomy of the heart (which I half understood) and ATP cycle (completely confused me).  I am more concerned about learning about  ATP.  I have been told that I do not have to go too deep into this, just understand the way in which ATP works. Having not fully understood the meaning of this, when my teacher went on to explain about the body fuels and Lactic Acid and a certain protein that is only used in extreme cases,I was lost.

I would be extremely greatful if you help me on these subjets or if you could point me in the right direction.  

Many thanks
Pauline  

Answer
pauline,

I wish I could help you, but I'm not sure what you are in need of.  I could be simple and say that Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the basic energy component used by active muscles and that pyruvic acid is converted into Lactic Acid (LA), or lactate, and is a product of the breakdown of glucose (glucose->pyruvic acid->lactic acid) and all of this produces ATP along the way.  Is this too simple to or too involved?  I guess only your teacher can explain to you "what" you need to know about all of this.

I spent nearly a whole semester in college on the Krebs Cycle and the Electron Transfer Chain.  There is volumes you could learn.

I suggest you ask your teacher exactly what you need to know and/or just do a Google search for the key terms.

Best of luck.

Todd