What type of energy system produces 38 ATP and is effective for moderate intensity lasting over 3 minutes?

The energy system that produces 38 ATP and is effective for moderate intensity lasting over 3 minutes is aerobic glycolysis. This system relies on oxygen to convert glucose into ATP, making it ideal for longer duration, steady-state activities. During aerobic glycolysis, glucose is metabolized with oxygen to produce a relatively high yield of ATP, which is essential for sustaining energy production during moderate-intensity exercise that lasts more than a few minutes.

Aerobic glycolysis not only efficiently generates ATP but also allows the body to utilize fat as an additional fuel source during prolonged activities, significantly prolonging endurance performance. As exercise intensity increases and the duration extends, the aerobic energy system becomes increasingly important.

In contrast, anaerobic glycolysis primarily supports shorter, high-intensity efforts and produces less ATP (around 2 ATP) while generating lactate as a byproduct, making it less suitable for sustained moderate-intensity work. Fatty acid oxidation is another energy pathway that, while important for endurance activities beyond 30 minutes, relies more heavily on fat breakdown rather than glucose, resulting in different energy yields. Type 2 A fibers have a mix of anaerobic and aerobic capabilities, but they do not specifically refer to a distinct metabolic pathway for ATP production.