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Multiple Choice
In the context of the sliding filament theory, which structure releases calcium into the sarcoplasm to initiate muscle contraction?
A
Mitochondria
B
Nucleus
C
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
D
Golgi apparatus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the sliding filament theory: This theory explains how muscles contract by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments past each other, which shortens the muscle fiber.
Identify the role of calcium ions: Calcium ions are crucial for muscle contraction as they bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that moves tropomyosin away from the binding sites on actin filaments, allowing myosin heads to attach to actin.
Recognize the source of calcium ions: In muscle cells, the sarcoplasmic reticulum is the specialized endoplasmic reticulum that stores calcium ions.
Learn the process of calcium release: When a muscle cell is stimulated by a nerve impulse, the sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions into the sarcoplasm (the cytoplasm of muscle cells).
Connect the structure to the function: The sarcoplasmic reticulum's release of calcium into the sarcoplasm is the key event that initiates muscle contraction according to the sliding filament theory.