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Multiple Choice
After the age of 30, the number of ______ in existing muscle fibers decreases.
A
myofibrils
B
nuclei
C
sarcomeres
D
mitochondria
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of muscle fibers. Muscle fibers are composed of several key components, including myofibrils, nuclei, sarcomeres, and mitochondria, each playing a distinct role in muscle function.
Step 2: Recall the physiological changes that occur in muscle fibers with aging. After the age of 30, muscle fibers experience a decline in their ability to maintain certain structures due to reduced protein synthesis and cellular repair mechanisms.
Step 3: Analyze the function of each option provided: Myofibrils are responsible for muscle contraction, nuclei regulate cellular activity, sarcomeres are the functional units of myofibrils, and mitochondria produce energy for muscle function.
Step 4: Consider which component is most likely to decrease in number due to aging. Aging leads to a reduction in the contractile machinery of muscle fibers, which directly impacts the number of myofibrils.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'myofibrils,' as they are the structural components of muscle fibers that decrease in number with age, leading to reduced muscle strength and function.