What is the role of Tropomyosin in myofibril contraction?

Tropomyosin helps to regulate myofibril contraction. Before contraction, tropomyosin covers the myosin binding sites on the actin molecule, preventing the myosin heads from binding. During contraction, calcium binds to troponin, causes conformational change in troponin. This pulls tropomyosin away from the myosin binding sites as troponin is attached to tropomyosin. This exposes myosin binding sites, allowing myosin to bind. 

Answered by Laura H. Biology tutor

8246 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline how a heartbeat is initiated and controlled


How does the body control its temperature?


How do I work out the magnification of an image?


Explain multiple alleles with respect to ABO blood group in humans


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences