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Multiple Choice
What happens to a sarcomere during a myosin power stroke?
A
The sarcomere shortens as actin filaments slide over myosin filaments.
B
The sarcomere lengthens as myosin filaments slide over actin filaments.
C
The sarcomere shortens as myosin filaments are pulled towards the Z line.
D
The sarcomere remains the same length as actin and myosin filaments detach.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a sarcomere: A sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle fiber, composed of actin (thin) and myosin (thick) filaments. It is bordered by Z lines.
Identify the role of myosin and actin: During muscle contraction, myosin heads bind to actin filaments forming cross-bridges, and pull the actin filaments towards the center of the sarcomere.
Describe the power stroke: The power stroke is the action where the myosin head pivots, pulling the actin filament towards the center of the sarcomere, which results in the shortening of the sarcomere.
Explain the sliding filament theory: This theory states that muscle contraction occurs as actin filaments slide over myosin filaments, leading to the shortening of the sarcomere without changing the length of the filaments themselves.
Conclude the effect on the sarcomere: During a myosin power stroke, the sarcomere shortens as the actin filaments slide over the myosin filaments, bringing the Z lines closer together.