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Which of the following is the best example of a mechanistic understanding of a function?

A) Bones are strong so that they can support our body weight and protect delicate organs.

B) The kidneys produce urine so that waste products, such as uric acid, do not build up in the blood.

C) Every cell in our body needs oxygen so that it can produce the energy to drive its activities.

D) Skeletal muscle cells contract when myosin heads attach to actin filaments and rotate, producing force.

User Gonzix
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Final answer:

Option D, which describes the molecular interactions that lead to muscle cell contraction, is the best example of a mechanistic understanding of a function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which option best exemplifies a mechanistic understanding of a function. A mechanistic understanding involves knowing the specific physical or biochemical processes that underlie how something works. Looking at the provided options, D) Skeletal muscle cells contract when myosin heads attach to actin filaments and rotate, producing force is the best example of a mechanistic understanding of a function because it describes the specific molecular interactions and physical movements within skeletal muscle cells that lead to contraction.

The skeleton supports the body and facilitates movement by acting as points of attachment for muscles. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the bones to which it is attached, allowing for movement. This contraction occurs due to a biochemical process within muscle cells where myosin heads attach to actin filaments and pull them past each other. The actions of the bones and muscles together comprise the musculoskeletal system, and it is this system that enables the wide range of human movement, from standing and walking to more complex actions like manipulating tools.

User Light Souls
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