What is phosphocreatine?
Phosphocreatine, also known as creatine phosphate, is a form of creatine found primarily in muscle. It helps muscles contract more efficiently and acts as an energy buffer thanks to its ability to recycle adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
Because of its ability to recycle ATP, phosphocreatine is crucial for athletes and daily exercisers looking to improve short bursts of muscle strength or energy.
How does phosphocreatine work?
The chemical energy source that muscles use to perform contractions is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP molecules are reduced during contractions because they undergo hydrolysis reactions and convert to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The ATP supply of muscles must be regenerated on a regular basis to maintain homeostasis in muscle function, and this is where creatine phosphate can help.
Phosphocreatine can regenerate ATP by transferring a high-energy phosphate from itself to ADP, resulting in the formation of ATP and creatine. Within seconds of exerting intense muscular or neuronal effort, phosphocreatine regenerates ATP, acting as a readily accessible reserve of high-energy phosphates for ATP recycling in body muscle tissues.« Back to Glossary Index