The term "aerobic" refers to the use of oxygen. Energy systems are the processes through which your body turns food or macronutrients into energy or ATP. Those energy systems that are classified as the aerobic energy systems are those that require oxygen to turn carbohydrates and fats into energy that can be used for activity. Due to the complexity of the aerobic energy systems, they take longer than the anaerobic energy systems to generate energy and as such are utilized for long lasting activities and recovery periods.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the process in which carbohydrates, in the form of glucose, are broken down into pyruvate. In addition to pyruvate, two ATP or energy molecules are gained during this process. Pyruvate can then be converted into Acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle, where it can be further broken down to generate more energy in the form of ATP. Glycolysis is the first system activated when you participate in moderate activity that lasts more a few minutes.
Beta Oxidation
Beta oxidation is the process in which fat in the form of fatty acids is broken down into Acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA can then enter the Krebs cycle, where it can be further broken down into energy. Fats are not as readily available for energy production as carbohydrates; thus, beta oxidation is used during periods of prolonged activity.
Krebs Cycle
The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a major component to aerobic energy development. There are eight steps to the Krebs cycle in which Acetyl-CoA is broken down into two ATP molecules, along with carbon dioxide, hydrogen, NADH, and FADH2. Training that lasts 20 minutes or longer helps to develop the body's ability to sustain its aerobic energy systems and the Krebs cycle.
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain, also known as oxidative phosphorylation, is the concluding aerobic energy system. It is also responsible for the most generation of ATP, or energy molecules. During this process, NADH and FADH2 are reduced to create water and 34 ATP. Endurance athletes rely greatly on the electron transport chain to supply energy for continued peak performance.
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