Question

Describe three properties of fast glycolytic (fast twitch) and slow oxidative fibers (slow twitch) that adapt them for different physiological purposes.

Answer 1

Answer:

Fast glycolytic fibres

1. Large diameter and large volumes of glycogen: The large diameter enables the fibres to produce contractile force.

2. Uses anaerobic glycosis to get ATP source: This works in low supply of oxygen which is where it derive ATP from during glycosis.

3. Break down ATP fast and contract fast as well: This occurs at the time when they fatigue quickly.

Slow oxidative fibres:

1. They possess a very large volume of mitochondria

2. They resist fatigue: This type of fibre type has the highest resistance to fatigue. They can function for long periods without being fatigued.

3. These are made up of muscles with long contraction duration.

Explanation:

These are examples of muscle fibres. The third one is known as the fast oxidative.

The slow oxidative and fast oxidative uses aerobic respiration while fast glycolytic uses anaerobic respiration.