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Multiple Choice
In this figure of a sarcomere, which structure corresponds to the region where only thick filaments are present?
A
Z disc
B
A band
C
I band
D
H zone
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of a sarcomere, which is the functional unit of a muscle fiber. It is composed of repeating units of thick and thin filaments organized in a specific pattern.
Step 2: Identify the components of the sarcomere. The Z disc marks the boundary of each sarcomere, the A band contains the entire length of thick filaments, and the I band contains only thin filaments. The H zone is the region within the A band where only thick filaments are present.
Step 3: Recall that thick filaments are composed of myosin, while thin filaments are composed of actin. The overlap of these filaments creates the striated appearance of skeletal muscle.
Step 4: Examine the H zone specifically. It is located in the center of the A band and is devoid of thin filaments, making it the region where only thick filaments are present.
Step 5: To confirm the answer, compare the definitions of the Z disc, A band, I band, and H zone. The H zone is the correct answer because it matches the description of the region containing only thick filaments.