The binding sites for the
myosin head group on the
actin fibre are covered by
the tropomyosin subunits,
meaning that a myosin
head group cannot attach to
any such binding site nor
can cross bridges form or
muscle contraction occur
When an action potential
arrives, via neurone, at the
neuromuscular junction,
calcium ions are released
from the sarcoplasmic
reticulum in the sarcomeres.
These calcium ions diffuse
through the sarcoplasm and
bind to the troponin molecules
This binding changes
the shape of the
troponin, which moves
the tropomyosin away
from the binding sites
on the actin
The actin- myosin binding
sites are uncovered and so
cross bridges can firn, This
allows the power stroke and
muscle contraction to occur.
The Role of ATP in the Power Stroke
When the myosin head group attaches to the
actin binding site and bends, the molecules
are in their most stable form.
Energy from ATP is
required in order to break the
cross bridge connection and
re-set the myosin head
forwards
The myosin head group
can the attach to the next
binding site along the actin
molecule and bend again
Maintenance of ATP Supply
In order to allow for continued
contraction, ATP must be regenerated as
quickly as it made up.
Aerobic respiration in muscle cell
mitochondria: dependent on the supply of
oxygen to the muscles and the availability
of respiratory substrate.
Anaerobic respiration in the
muscle cell sarcoplasm:
Quick process, leads to
lactic acid (toxic).
Transfer from creatine
phosphate in the
muscle cell
sarcoplasm