What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle contraction? A) It stores Ca²⁺ ions for release during contraction. B) It surrounds and protects the muscle filaments. C) It provides sites of ATP synthesis. D) It depolarizes when stimulated by an impulse. E) It synthesizes actin and myosin filaments.

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The sarcoplasmic reticulum is responsible for storing and releasing calcium ions (Ca2+) necessary for muscle contraction. When a muscle receives a signal to contract, the sarcoplasmic reticulum releases the stored calcium ions, which then bind to the contractile proteins actin and myosin, allowing for muscle contraction to occur.

What Is the Role of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum in Muscle