Muscle Contraction and Sarcomere Structure

Front

What is the thick myofilament in muscle contraction?

Back

Myosin

Front

What is the smallest unit of a muscle that can contract?

Back

Sarcomere

Front

How many types of myofilaments are present in a sarcomere?

Back

2

Front

What is the Z line in a sarcomere?

Back

The wall between two different sarcomeres.

Front

Which myofilament pulls the other during muscle contraction?

Back

Myosin pulls actin.

Front

What is the role of actin in muscle contraction?

Back

Actin serves as the thin myofilament that interacts with myosin.

Front

What is the function of the M line in a sarcomere?

Back

The M line anchors the thick myofilaments (myosin) in the center of the sarcomere.

Front

What is the role of calcium ions in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions bind to troponin, causing a conformational change that allows myosin to bind to actin.

Front

What is the sliding filament theory?

Back

The theory that explains muscle contraction as the sliding of actin filaments over myosin filaments.

Front

What is a myofibril?

Back

A myofibril is a long, thread-like structure made up of sarcomeres, responsible for muscle contraction.