What is the molecule, creatine phosphate?

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We all need energy to do work. Even the basic activity of sitting down required energy. Our body is constantly working to release energy for the various processes we perform in our routine. So how does our body produce energy? It happens because of the simple process that we all know about, respiration. Respiration is what helps in the release of energy. Energy is produced during the breaking down of glucose via the process of respiration. Different organs of body use energy in different forms. The utility depends upon the type of function that particular organ carries in our body system. ATP is the most common energy molecule which provides the necessary stamina and vigor.

What is Creatine phosphate?

Creatine phosphate, also known as phosphocreatine or Pcr is a creatine molecule and is phosphorylated. It is the main source of energy in skeletal muscles. Creatine basically is an amino acid and in the form of creatine phosphate it provides and stores energy in the cells of muscles.

How is creatine phosphate generated in the body?

Adenosine tri phosphate is anaerobically created from adenosine di phosphate and during this process a very intense activity is carried out for around 2 to 7 seconds. In this process phosphate group is given out along with creatine kinase which serves as catalyst. The byproduct thus released is creatine and the reaction is also reversible. It is expressed as follows:

Creatine phosphate + ADP = Creatine + ATP

This energy thus obtained is used up for regenerating another compound due to which coupling reaction takes place and phosphocreatine plays an important part in it by maintaining the adenosine tri phosphate level constant. It also plays an important role in brain and muscle tissue as they need energy in high amount. Creatine phosphate reaches the muscle cells travelling through the blood stream after synthesizated in liver and later on is secreted by the muscles cells. It has a molecular mass of 211.113 g/mol and its IUPAC name is 2-[Methyl-(N-phosphonocarbamimidol) amino] acetic acid, also reffered as creatine-P.

What is the energy pathway of creatine phosphate?

ADP is formed when ATP molecules of certain muscle get liberated and the energy thus created is used for movement. ADP pool is free energy source in all the muscle tissue but is available for very short period. A phosphate group is converted into ADP just where the activity of contractile takes place. This way, again ATP is provided to the muscles which are doing activities. One of the important advantages of this process is that where there is need of creatine phosphate for energy it is provided immediately, although for short period.

What are the uses of creatine phosphate?

By  including fish, meat and poultry in your diet creatine can be increased. Creatine phosphate is a reservoir of energy as it is a molecule having energy. Our body has this component in natural state but can be used for only 5 to 6 seconds after vigorous physical activity. It is hence used by muscle cells for energy storage and is used during sprinting or intensive exercises. Athletes take creatine supplements for increasing muscle creatine. Some reports indicate that certain creatine supplements enhance the sprinting performance by 1 to 5%. Athletes and body builders use it for strength and stamina enhancing. But too much intake of creatine phosphate can increase body weight.

 

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