Question

A muscle cell was analyzed and its contents reflected high levels of calcium-activated proteases. This muscle cell most likely just underwent...

1) a transformation from a type IIa to a type IIx fiber
2) some short bursts of strength exercises and it experienced high-intensity fatigue
3) some type of long endurance event and it experienced endurance fatigue
4) stimulation consistent with an unfused tetanus

Answer 1

The high levels of calcium-activated proteases in the muscle cell indicate that the cell has just undergone 4) stimulation consistent with an unfused tetanus. Hence, 4) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The high levels of calcium-activated proteases in the muscle cell indicate that the cell has just undergone stimulation consistent with an unfused tetanus. During tetanus, the concentration of calcium ions in the sarcoplasm allows for continuous contraction until the muscle fatigues and can no longer produce tension.

This is supported by the information that Ca ions trigger depolarization and the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which initiates contraction. Additionally, the presence of calcium-activated proteases suggests that the muscle cell has gone through the process of muscle contraction.