How Does Creatine Affect Cellular Respiration

The affect of creatine on cellular respiration shall be discussed in two parts. The first part attempts to explain the process of cellular respiration and the second part of the discussion attempts to explain the role of creatine in the cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration is a set of the reactions and processes that take place in organisms' cells to convert energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. In short, it is the process that generates the fuel which our cells use as energy. The source of energy for all the cells in the body is called ATP.

Let us first discuss the reaction that turns ATP into energy.

ATP is an adenine nucleotide bound to three phosphates. It is broken down into two simpler chemicals ADP (Adenosine DiPhosphate) and a free phosphate molecule. This process of ATP turning into ADP, in the muscle cells, releases the energy which gives the muscles the ability to contract.

For increased activity, more and more ATP gets consumed and must be replaced in the muscle cells, in order for the muscle to keep moving. The cells first use the floating ATP which provides energy for about 10 seconds. To replenish the ATP levels quickly, muscle cells should convert ADP to ATP. Here is where the creatine comes in or more specifically the creatine phosphate (CP). The majority of creatine stored in the muscles, bonds with abundant phosphorus stores in the muscles and is converted into Creatine Phosphate (CP). The phosphate group is removed from creatine phosphate by an enzyme called creatine kinase, and is transferred to ADP to form ATP. Thus Creatine in cells helps store energy from food

More Articles :

How Does Creatine Affect Cellular Respiration