STRUCURE OF A SARCOMERE & MUSCLE CONTRACTION

ASSIGNMENT
By means of an annotated flow chart, which includes THREE diagrams, show the structure of a
sarcomere, the contraction of muscle tissue (ie one sarcomere) and its subsequent relaxation.
To each of the diagrams, add an electron micrograph picture which illustrates what you have
shown in the diagram. (These micrograph pictures are best with outline labeling.)
This is:
Draw and label a diagram to show the structure of a sarcomere, including Z lines, actin
filaments, myosin filaments with heads, and the resultant light and dark bands.
Explain how skeletal muscle contracts, including the release of calcium ions from the
sarcoplasmic reticulum, the formation of cross-bridges, the sliding of actin and myosin
filaments, and the use of ATP to break cross-bridges and re-set myosin heads.
Analyse electron micrographs to find the state of contraction of muscle fibres.

John Osborne
February 2016