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Multiple Choice
Choose the true statement.
A
Smooth muscle depends on the calcium-calmodulin system to regulate contraction, while skeletal muscle relies on the calcium-troponin system to regulate contraction.
B
Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth muscle does not depend on ATP to fuel contractions.
C
Unlike skeletal muscle, contraction in smooth muscle does not involve a sliding filament mechanism.
D
The final signal for contraction in smooth muscle is a rise in extracellular calcium, while the final signal for contraction in skeletal muscle is a rise in intracellular calcium.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of calcium in muscle contraction: In both smooth and skeletal muscles, calcium ions play a crucial role in the contraction process, but they interact with different proteins.
Identify the calcium-binding proteins: In skeletal muscle, calcium binds to troponin, which is part of the thin filament. In smooth muscle, calcium binds to calmodulin, which then activates myosin light chain kinase.
Examine the energy source for muscle contraction: Both smooth and skeletal muscles require ATP for contraction. ATP is necessary for the cross-bridge cycle and muscle contraction in both types of muscle.
Understand the sliding filament mechanism: Both smooth and skeletal muscles use a sliding filament mechanism for contraction, where actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to shorten the muscle.
Clarify the source of calcium for contraction: In skeletal muscle, the final signal for contraction is a rise in intracellular calcium, primarily from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In smooth muscle, calcium can enter from the extracellular space, but the final signal involves intracellular calcium as well.