MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Once the myosin-binding sites are exposed, and if sufficient ATP is present, myosin binds to actin to begin cross-bridge cycling. Then the sarcomere shortens and the muscle contracts. In the absence of calcium, this binding does not occur, so the presence of free calcium is an important regulator of muscle contraction.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first step in the process of contraction is for Ca++ to bind to troponin so that tropomyosin can slide away from the binding sites on the actin strands. This allows the myosin heads to bind to these exposed binding sites and form cross-bridges.

Detailed explanation-3: -ATP first binds to myosin, moving it to a high-energy state. The ATP is hydrolyzed into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) by the enzyme ATPase. The energy released during ATP hydrolysis changes the angle of the myosin head into a “cocked” position, ready to bind to actin if the sites are available.

Detailed explanation-4: -The myosin binding sites on actin sites are exposed after calcium enters the sarcoplasm and activates the troponin-tropomyosin complex to shift. The latching of myosin heads docking onto actin-binding sites begins the “cross bridge cycle” a process that continues as long as calcium and ATP are present.