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Multiple Choice
What is the functional unit of muscle contraction?
A
Myofibril
B
Sarcomere
C
Muscle fiber
D
Actin filament
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the question is asking for the functional unit of muscle contraction, which is the smallest structure within a muscle that can contract.
Recall that a muscle is composed of bundles of muscle fibers, and within these fibers are myofibrils.
Recognize that myofibrils are made up of repeating units called sarcomeres, which are the actual functional units responsible for muscle contraction.
Identify that within each sarcomere, there are actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other to produce contraction.
Conclude that the sarcomere is the correct answer as it is the smallest unit within the muscle that can perform contraction, making it the functional unit of muscle contraction.