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Multiple Choice
What is the sliding filament model of muscle contraction?
A
It describes how actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to shorten the sarcomere.
B
It outlines the role of neurotransmitters in muscle contraction.
C
It details the process of ATP synthesis in muscle cells.
D
It explains how calcium ions are stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of a muscle fiber, focusing on the sarcomere, which is the functional unit of muscle contraction. The sarcomere is composed of actin (thin) and myosin (thick) filaments.
Learn about the role of myosin heads in muscle contraction. Myosin heads bind to specific sites on the actin filaments, forming cross-bridges.
Explore the process of cross-bridge cycling, where myosin heads pull actin filaments towards the center of the sarcomere. This action is powered by the hydrolysis of ATP, which provides the necessary energy.
Examine the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction. Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that exposes binding sites on actin for myosin attachment.
Review the overall effect of the sliding filament model, which is the shortening of the sarcomere and thus the contraction of the muscle fiber. This process is repeated in a coordinated manner across many sarcomeres, leading to muscle contraction.