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Multiple Choice
In the context of the sliding filament theory, how do myosin and actin interact with each other during muscle contraction?
A
Actin heads attach to myosin filaments, which then push the actin filaments outward.
B
Myosin heads bind to actin filaments, forming cross-bridges, and pull the actin filaments toward the center of the sarcomere.
C
Actin filaments bind to myosin heads, causing the myosin to slide past the actin filaments.
D
Myosin filaments shorten, pulling actin filaments along with them to contract the muscle.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic components involved in the sliding filament theory: myosin and actin are the primary proteins, with myosin being the thick filament and actin being the thin filament.
Recognize that during muscle contraction, myosin heads bind to specific sites on the actin filaments, forming what are known as cross-bridges.
Once the cross-bridges are formed, the myosin heads pivot, pulling the actin filaments toward the center of the sarcomere. This action is often described as a 'power stroke.'
As the actin filaments are pulled inward, the sarcomere shortens, leading to muscle contraction. This process is repeated multiple times during a contraction cycle.
Note that ATP is required for the myosin heads to detach from the actin filaments and re-cock for another cycle of binding and pulling, allowing the process to continue as long as calcium ions and ATP are present.