energy system interchange in 2000m rowing event

ENERGY SYSTEM INTERCHANGES IN A 2000M-ROWING EVENT

During a 2000m-rowing race, all three energy systems are used. When the race begins, the ATP/PC system is used. This refers to energy provided by the breakdown of phosphocreatine (PC) to resynthesise adenosine triphospate (ATP) and does not require oxygen. The crew uses it because it is fast acting and is also used amendable to rapid, powerful muscular contraction. However, ten seconds into the race, the crew member’s ATP/PC system’s are depleted, as only a limited supply is immediately available in muscle tissue.

The aerobic system is slow in starting itself because, unlike the ATP/PC and anaerobic systems, it involves a number of complex steps, and also requires a constant supply of oxygen to resynthesise ATP in the muscles. Du...