Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
According to the sliding filament theory, which event occurs during muscle contraction?
A
Myosin filaments shorten while actin filaments remain stationary.
B
The sarcomere lengthens as actin and myosin filaments move apart.
C
Actin filaments slide past myosin filaments, shortening the sarcomere.
D
Calcium ions are released, causing the sarcomere to expand.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the sliding filament theory: This theory explains the mechanism of muscle contraction at the molecular level. It involves the interaction between actin and myosin filaments within the sarcomere, the functional unit of a muscle fiber.
Identify the role of actin and myosin filaments: During contraction, actin filaments slide past myosin filaments. This sliding action shortens the sarcomere, which is the region between two Z-discs in a muscle fiber.
Recognize the role of calcium ions: Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in response to a nerve signal. These ions bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that moves tropomyosin away from the binding sites on actin, allowing myosin heads to attach to actin.
Understand the cross-bridge cycle: Myosin heads bind to actin, forming cross-bridges. Using energy from ATP hydrolysis, the myosin heads pivot, pulling the actin filaments toward the center of the sarcomere. This action is repeated in a cycle, leading to sarcomere shortening.
Clarify the incorrect options: Myosin filaments do not shorten; they remain stationary while actin filaments slide. The sarcomere does not lengthen during contraction; it shortens. Calcium ions facilitate contraction but do not cause the sarcomere to expand.