THE SLIDING FILAMENT THEORY OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION

Front

What happens to the sarcomere during muscle contraction?

Back

The sarcomere shortens.

Front

What is the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction?

Back

The sliding filament theory states that muscle contraction occurs when filaments (actin and myosin) overlap and slide relative to each other.

Front

What is the process called when the muscle fibre relaxes?

Back

Muscle relaxation.

Front

What is the function of troponin and tropomyosin in muscle contraction?

Back

Troponin and tropomyosin facilitate the interaction of myosin and actin molecules.

Front

What is the trigger mechanism for the sliding filament process?

Back

The release of calcium ions.

Front

What are the main proteins involved in muscle contraction?

Back

The main proteins involved are actin and myosin.

Front

How do calcium ions affect muscle contraction?

Back

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

Front

What role does ATP play in muscle contraction?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for myosin to pull actin filaments during contraction.

Front

What is the resting state of a muscle fiber?

Back

In the resting state, the muscle fiber is not contracted, and tropomyosin blocks the binding sites on actin.

Front

What is the role of the neuromuscular junction in muscle contraction?

Back

The neuromuscular junction is where a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber, triggering contraction.