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Multiple Choice
Which of the following events triggers the subsequent steps of excitation-contraction coupling?
A
Binding of ATP to myosin heads
B
Release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
C
Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate
D
Detachment of myosin from actin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of excitation-contraction coupling: It is the physiological process of converting an electrical stimulus to a mechanical response in muscle fibers.
Identify the role of calcium ions: Calcium ions play a crucial role in muscle contraction by binding to troponin, which leads to the exposure of binding sites on actin filaments.
Recognize the source of calcium ions: The sarcoplasmic reticulum is an organelle in muscle cells that stores calcium ions and releases them upon receiving an action potential.
Determine the trigger event: The release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is the key event that initiates the subsequent steps of muscle contraction.
Connect the trigger to the process: Once calcium ions are released, they bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that allows myosin heads to bind to actin, leading to muscle contraction.