The contraction of skeletal muscles is based on ________.
A) myosin filaments coiling up to become shorter
B) actin and myosin filaments both coiling up to become shorter
C) actin cross-bridges binding to myosin and transitioning from a high-energy to a low-energy state
D) myosin cross-bridges binding to actin and transitioning from a high-energy to a low-energy state

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The contraction of skeletal muscles is based on myosin cross-bridges binding to actin and transitioning from a high-energy to a low-energy state. This allows for the sliding of the actin and myosin filaments past each other, resulting in the shortening of the muscle fiber and the overall contraction of the muscle. Choice A is incorrect because only myosin filaments coiling up would not result in muscle contraction. Choice B is incorrect because actin filaments do not coil up. Choice C is incorrect because the energy transition occurs between myosin and actin, not actin cross-bridges alone.

The Contraction of Skeletal Muscles Is Based on ________