Final answer:
The aerobic glycolytic energy system is a highly efficient process occurring in the mitochondria that breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, water, and CO2. It generates about 36 ATPs per glucose molecule and is enhanced by myoglobin in muscles and aerobic training.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aerobic Glycolytic Energy System
The aerobic glycolytic energy system refers to the process of breaking down glucose or other nutrients in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce energy.
This system is much more efficient than anaerobic glycolysis, yielding approximately 36 ATPs per molecule of glucose compared to only four from glycolysis.
The aerobic system is pivotal for ATP production during extended periods of exercise, operating mainly in the mitochondria of cells.
During this process, glucose circulating in the bloodstream is broken down to pyruvic acid, which enters the mitochondria where it is fully oxidized to produce ATP, water, and carbon dioxide through a series of reactions including the Krebs cycle and chemiosmosis.
Muscles contain myoglobin, which stores a small amount of excess oxygen, enhancing efficient muscle contractions and reducing fatigue. Further, aerobic training improves the efficiency of the circulatory system, enabling muscles to receive oxygen over longer durations.
A small portion of aerobic glycolysis can also occur without complete oxidation, producing two ATPs. Glycolysis can proceed using glucose derived from blood or from the breakdown of glycogen, especially in human muscle cells.
However, the aerobic pathways are essential for producing the vast majority of ATP required for muscle activity.