One form of muscle disease is caused by a mutant myosin allele. It prevents myosin from binding to other myosin molecules, thus preventing contraction. Suggest why.

Sarcomeres are formed of myosin and actin filaments which are interleaved. If myosin cannot bind to each other then thick filaments cannot be formed. Thus, there is nothing to anchor myosin so actin cannot be pulled during contraction and the sarcomere cannot shorten. Additionally, when the myosin heads rotate during the power stroke, generating the force required to pull actin, the myosin itself will move instead.

Answered by Jade W. Biology tutor

8971 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is blood glucose concentration regulated?


Describe how low blood water levels are controlled in the human body. (5 marks)


How do we regulate body temperature?


What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences