The mechanical force of contraction is generated by ________.
A) shortening of the thick filaments
B) shortening of the thin filaments
C) a sliding of thin filaments past thick filaments
D) the "accordian-like" folding of thin and thick filaments
E) the temporary disappearance of thin filaments

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mechanical force of contraction in muscle cells is generated by the sliding of thin filaments past thick filaments, which is facilitated by the binding of myosin heads on thick filaments to actin on thin filaments. This results in the shortening of sarcomeres, the basic functional units of muscle cells, and ultimately the contraction of the muscle fiber.

The Mechanical Force of Contraction Is Generated by ________