Which energy system utilizes glucose for moderate intensity activity for up to approximately 2 minutes?

The glycolytic energy system is responsible for utilizing glucose to produce energy during moderate intensity activities lasting approximately 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This system is anaerobic, meaning it does not rely on oxygen to generate energy. During these activities, glucose is broken down through the process of glycolysis, resulting in the production of ATP, which powers muscle contractions.

This energy system is particularly significant in sports and activities that require bursts of speed or strength, such as sprinting, high-intensity interval training, or weight lifting. It serves as a critical bridge between the immediate energy supplied by the phosphagen system and the longer-term energy supplied by the aerobic (oxidative) energy systems, which require more time to increase their output and fully utilize oxygen.

Other energy systems also play important roles but operate under different conditions or durations. For instance, the aerobic energy system relies on oxygen and is predominant in low-intensity exercises lasting longer than 2 minutes. The phosphagen system provides immediate energy for explosive activities lasting only a few seconds. The oxidative system is more comprehensive, utilizing carbohydrates and fats in the presence of oxygen for extended periods of activity beyond 2 minutes.