# Muscle cells require large amounts of energy during exercise. Explain how ATP provides energy for muscle contraction, including how ATP is regenerated so that muscle contraction can continue.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.6 ATP · Explain · 5 marks

> During intense exercise, the rate of ATP usage in muscle cells increases dramatically. Muscle cells must continuously regenerate ATP to sustain contraction.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. ATP is hydrolysed (broken down) to release energy
2. ATP is hydrolysed into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi)
3. The energy released is used directly for muscle contraction (a cellular process)
4. ATP is regenerated by combining ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi)
5. Energy for ATP regeneration comes from respiration

## Key terms

- [ATP](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/atp)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/muscle-cells-require-large-amounts-of-4e68e876) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.