Question

Which cytoskeletal element interacts with myosin to produce contractile force in muscle cells?

A. microtubules
B. microfilaments
C. intermediate filaments
D. none of the above

Answer 1

The cytoskeletal element that interacts with myosin for muscle contraction is microfilaments. These actin filaments work with myosin in the sliding filament mechanism that drives muscle contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cytoskeletal element that interacts with myosin to produce contractile force in muscle cells is B. microfilaments. These microfilaments are composed of the protein actin, which forms long strands called thin filaments in muscle cells. Myosin molecules form thick filaments and interact with these thin filaments composed of actin during muscle contraction. This interaction is critical for the sliding filament mechanism, which elicits the contraction of muscle fibers.

Muscle contractions are facilitated by the overlap of myosin and actin, which are held in place at different ends by structures within the muscle fiber: myosin attaches to the M line and actin attaches to the Z line. During contraction, the myosin heads pull on actin filaments, causing them to slide closer together, which shortens the muscle cell. This is how muscle force is generated.

Moreover, microfilaments are not only responsible for muscle contractions but are also crucial in maintaining cell shape and facilitating cellular movements.

Answer 2

The answer to this question would be: microfilament

Microfilament or actin filament is the organ where myosin binding in muscle cells. This bind is making the tensile strength of the muscle. When muscle contract, the myosin will move to the actin at the outer side, makes the muscle length become shorter.