Hypothetically, if a muscle were stretched to the point where thick and thin filaments no longer overlapped, ________.
A) cross bridge attachment would be optimum because of all the free binding sites on actin
B) no muscle tension could be generated
C) maximum force production would result because the muscle has a maximum range of travel
D) ATP consumption would increase because the sarcomere is "trying" to contract

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the thick and thin filaments no longer overlap, the muscle cannot generate tension or force because the myosin heads cannot bind to actin to form cross bridges and initiate contraction. Despite an increase in ATP consumption, there would be no actual contraction or force production. Choice A is incorrect because without overlap, there would be no place for the myosin heads to bind, regardless of the number of free binding sites on actin. Choice C is also incorrect because the muscle would not be able to generate any force without the overlap of thick and thin filaments.

Hypothetically, If a Muscle Were Stretched to the Point Where