The sliding filament theory states that _______ during a muscle contraction.
A) actin changes length
B) myosin changes length
C) actin and myosin slide past each other
D) both actin and myosin change length
E) actin filaments slide through the M band

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the sliding filament theory, actin and myosin filaments do not change their length during a muscle contraction. Instead, they slide past each other, resulting in the shortening of the sarcomere and contraction of the muscle. This process is driven by the binding and release of ATP molecules in the myosin heads, which causes the myosin filaments to walk along the actin filaments. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

The Sliding Filament Theory States That _______ During a Muscle