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Multiple Choice
What does the sliding filament theory describe?
A
The mechanism by which calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
B
The process by which actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to shorten the sarcomere during muscle contraction.
C
The way in which ATP is synthesized in muscle cells.
D
The process of nerve impulse transmission across the neuromuscular junction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
The sliding filament theory is a fundamental concept in muscle physiology that explains how muscles contract to produce force.
Begin by understanding the structure of a sarcomere, the basic unit of a muscle fiber, which contains actin (thin) and myosin (thick) filaments.
During muscle contraction, the myosin heads bind to specific sites on the actin filaments, forming cross-bridges.
The myosin heads then pivot, pulling the actin filaments toward the center of the sarcomere, which shortens the sarcomere and generates contraction.
This process is powered by ATP, which is hydrolyzed to provide the energy needed for the myosin heads to detach, re-cock, and bind again, allowing the cycle to repeat.