Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
As ATP is broken down to ADP by the myosin-head ATPase during muscle contraction, what is the released energy primarily used for?
A
To depolarize the muscle cell membrane
B
To change the conformation of the myosin head, allowing it to perform a power stroke
C
To synthesize glucose from pyruvate
D
To transport calcium ions back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of ATP in muscle contraction: ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, and during muscle contraction, it is hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) by the enzyme myosin-head ATPase.
Recognize the function of the myosin head: The myosin head is a motor protein that interacts with actin filaments to generate force during muscle contraction. ATP hydrolysis provides the energy required for the myosin head to change its conformation.
Identify the power stroke mechanism: The energy released from ATP hydrolysis is used to change the conformation of the myosin head, enabling it to perform a 'power stroke.' This movement pulls the actin filament, shortening the sarcomere and causing muscle contraction.
Eliminate incorrect options: Depolarizing the muscle cell membrane is primarily driven by ion channels, not ATP hydrolysis. Synthesizing glucose from pyruvate occurs during gluconeogenesis, unrelated to muscle contraction. Transporting calcium ions back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum is powered by a different ATPase (SERCA), not the myosin-head ATPase.
Conclude the correct answer: The released energy from ATP hydrolysis by the myosin-head ATPase is primarily used to change the conformation of the myosin head, allowing it to perform a power stroke during muscle contraction.