Muscle cells

Front

What is the function of mitochondria in muscle cells?

Back

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, providing energy through the production of ATP during cellular respiration.

Front

What is the sarcolemma?

Back

The sarcolemma is the cell membrane surrounding a muscle cell, playing a crucial role in muscle contraction and signaling.

Front

What is sarcoplasm?

Back

Sarcoplasm is the cytoplasm of a muscle cell, containing myofibrils, organelles, and various substances necessary for muscle function.

Front

What are myofibrils?

Back

Myofibrils are long, thread-like structures within muscle cells that contain the contractile proteins actin and myosin.

Front

What is the role of actin in muscle contraction?

Back

Actin is a thin filament that interacts with myosin to facilitate muscle contraction through the sliding filament theory.

Front

What is the role of myosin in muscle contraction?

Back

Myosin is a thick filament that binds to actin and pulls it during muscle contraction, powered by ATP.

Front

What is a sarcomere?

Back

A sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle tissue, defined as the segment between two Z lines.

Front

What is the sliding filament theory?

Back

The sliding filament theory explains how muscles contract by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments past each other.

Front

What is the difference between a relaxed and contracted sarcomere?

Back

In a relaxed sarcomere, the filaments are not overlapping significantly, while in a contracted sarcomere, the filaments overlap more, shortening the muscle.

Front

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

Back

Troponin and tropomyosin regulate the interaction between actin and myosin by blocking or exposing binding sites on actin.