What is the role of calcium in muscle contraction?
A. Calcium binds to tropomyosin to expose the myosin-binding sites on actin.
B. Calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.
C. Calcium activates the motor neurons to stimulate muscle contraction.
D. Calcium is required for the relaxation of muscles after contraction.
Muscle contraction is a complex process that involves the interaction between actin and myosin filaments in the muscle fibers. The sliding of these filaments is initiated by the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a specialized organelle in muscle cells. The calcium ions bind to the protein troponin, which causes a conformational change in the troponin-tropomyosin complex, exposing the myosin-binding sites on actin. This allows the myosin heads to bind to actin, forming cross-bridges that pull the actin filaments towards the center of the sarcomere, resulting in muscle contraction.
Option a) is incorrect because calcium does not bind to tropomyosin directly, but rather binds to the protein troponin, causing a conformational change in the troponin-tropomyosin complex. Option c) is incorrect because calcium does not activate motor neurons, but rather is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in response to an action potential that travels down the motor neuron to the neuromuscular junction. Option d) is incorrect because calcium is required for muscle contraction, not relaxation. The relaxation of muscles after contraction is due to the active transport of calcium ions back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which allows the troponin-tropomyosin complex to return to its resting conformation, blocking the myosin-binding sites on actin and ending the cross-bridge cycle.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.
More Questions on TEAS 7 Science
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Q #1: Which of the following is an example of an exothermic reaction?
A. Melting ice
B. Burning wood
C. Cooking an egg
D. Dissolving sugar in water
Answer Explanation
Exothermic reactions are reactions that release energy in the form of heat, light, or sound. Burning wood is an example of an exothermic reaction because it releases heat and light. As the wood reacts with oxygen in the air, it undergoes a combustion reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light. Melting ice is an endothermic reaction because it requires energy input to melt the solid ice into liquid water. Cooking an egg is a chemical reaction that involves denaturing the proteins in the egg, but it is not necessarily exothermic or endothermic. Dissolving sugar in water is also not an example of an exothermic reaction because it does not release energy in the form of heat, light, or sound.
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Q #2: Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for regulate breathing rate and depth?
A. Bronchi
B. Alveoli
C. Diaphragm
D. Trachea
Answer Explanation
The diaphragm is responsible for regulang breathing rate and depth. It is a dome-shaped muscle located at the botom of the chest cavity that contracts and relaxes to help move air in and out of the lungs.
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Q #3: Which statement best defines the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
A. A physical change involves the rearrangement of atoms and molecules while a chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties.
B. A physical change involves the change of one state of matter to another while a chemical change involves the change of one substance into another.
C. A physical change involves the breaking of chemical bonds while a chemical change involves the breaking of intermolecular forces.
D. A physical change involves the release of energy while a chemical change involves the absorption of energy.
Answer Explanation
A physical change is a change that affects the physical properties of a substance, but does not change its chemical identity. Physical changes include changes in state, such as melting or boiling, changes in shape or size, and changes in phase, such as the dissolution of a solid in a liquid.
A chemical change, on the other hand, is a change that results in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Chemical changes involve the breaking of chemical bonds between atoms and the formation of new bonds to create new compounds. Chemical changes are usually accompanied by a change in color, the formation of a gas or a solid, or the release or absorption of energy.
Overall, the main difference between a physical change and a chemical change is that a physical change only affects the physical properties of a substance while a chemical change results in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties.
Note: Choice B is partially cirrect since physical changes can involve changes in the state of matter (e.g., ice melting into water), but it's not the main characteristic. A chemical change typically involves the change of one substance into another with different chemical properties.
