Question:

Choose the correct statements regarding muscle contraction.
A. A motor neuron carries a signal sent by the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the sarcolemma of the muscle fibre.
B. The neural signal generates an action potential which causes the release of $Ca^{++$ into sarcoplasm.
C. Increase in $Ca^{++}$ inactivates the actin for breaking cross bridges.
D. Actin binds to the myosin head to form a cross bridge.
E. Shortening of sarcomere takes place, by pulling actin filaments towards the centre of 'A' band.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:}

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Logic Tip: Calcium is the universal "Go!" signal for muscle contraction. It exposes binding sites (activates), it never inactivates them. Knowing Statement C is false instantly eliminates options 1 and 4.
Updated On: May 3, 2026
  • C and E only
  • A, B and E only
  • A and B only
  • C and D only
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The sliding filament theory explains muscle contraction. It states that contraction of a muscle fibre occurs by the sliding of the thin (actin) filaments over the thick (myosin) filaments, driven by cross-bridge formation and ATP hydrolysis.
Step 1:
Muscle contraction is initiated by a neural signal sent by the CNS via a motor neuron. This signal reaches the neuromuscular junction and ultimately depolarizes the sarcolemma. Statement A is correct.
Step 2:
The action potential spreads along the sarcolemma and down the T-tubules, triggering the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release stored calcium ions ($Ca^{++}$) into the sarcoplasm. Statement B is correct.
Step 3:
An increase in $Ca^{++}$ levels leads to calcium binding to troponin on the actin filaments. This binding removes the masking of active sites on actin, activating it for cross-bridge formation, rather than inactivating it or breaking bridges. Statement C is incorrect.
Step 4:
During cross-bridge formation, it is the energized myosin head that actively binds to the exposed active sites on the actin filament, not the other way around. Statement D is incorrect.
Step 5:
Once attached, the myosin heads pivot, pulling the attached actin filaments inwards towards the center of the 'A' band (the M-line). This inward pulling shortens the sarcomere, causing contraction. Statement E is correct.
Step 6:
Since only statements A, B, and E represent accurate physiological events during muscle contraction, Option (2) is the correct choice.
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