logo
AAT Bioquest

What are the sources of energy for muscle contraction?

Posted October 26, 2023


Answer

ATP is obtained from several sources including:

  • Creatine phosphate, a high-energy molecule that’s stored in muscle cells. ADP converts to ATP by obtaining a high-energy phosphate group from creatine phosphate 
  • Glucose stored within the cell generates ATP by cellular respiration
  • Glucose and fatty acids that are absorbed into muscle cells from the bloodstream generate ATP by cellular respiration

In addition, ATP is also stored within the muscle fiber. 

Additional resources

Interaction among Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Energy Systems during Intense Exercise

ATP & ADP

PhosphoWorks™ Fluorimetric ATP Assay Kit