Final answer:
During the excitation-contraction coupling, Ca2+ binds during stage 3. In this stage, calcium ions bind to troponin, exposing the actin-binding sites for cross-bridging with myosin heads.
Step-by-step explanation:
The binding of Ca2+ during the excitation-contraction coupling occurs in stage 3. In this stage, calcium ions bind to troponin, causing a conformational change in the troponin-tropomyosin complex, which exposes the actin-binding sites on the thin filaments, allowing for cross-bridging with myosin heads.