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Multiple Choice
What is released when myosin heads attach to actin filaments during muscle contraction according to the sliding filament theory?
A
Lactic acid
B
ATP
C
ADP and inorganic phosphate
D
Calcium ions
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the sliding filament theory, which explains how muscles contract by the interaction of actin and myosin filaments.
Recognize that during muscle contraction, myosin heads bind to actin filaments forming a cross-bridge.
Know that ATP binds to the myosin head, and is hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate, providing the energy for the myosin head to attach to actin.
When the myosin head attaches to the actin filament, ADP and inorganic phosphate are released, which triggers the power stroke that pulls the actin filament inward.
This release of ADP and inorganic phosphate is crucial for the continuation of the contraction cycle, allowing the myosin head to detach and reattach for further contraction.