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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is FALSE?
A
During contraction, the distance between Z discs of a sarcomere decreases.
B
During contraction, thin filaments slide past thick filaments so that actin and myosin filaments do not overlap.
C
During contraction, actin-myosin cross bridges form.
D
During contraction, thin filaments slide past thick filaments so that actin and myosin filaments overlap.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a sarcomere: A sarcomere is the basic contractile unit of muscle fiber, consisting of thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments. The Z discs are the boundaries of each sarcomere.
Review the sliding filament theory: During muscle contraction, thin filaments (actin) slide past thick filaments (myosin), causing the sarcomere to shorten and the muscle to contract.
Identify the role of cross bridges: Actin-myosin cross bridges form when myosin heads bind to actin filaments, pulling them closer and facilitating the sliding motion.
Analyze the statement about filament overlap: During contraction, the thin and thick filaments do overlap as the actin filaments slide past the myosin filaments, which is a key aspect of the sliding filament theory.
Determine the false statement: The statement 'During contraction, thin filaments slide past thick filaments so that actin and myosin filaments do not overlap' is false because, in reality, the filaments do overlap during contraction.