What is myosin?

Study for the Anatomy and Physiology Muscular System Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is myosin?

Explanation:
Myosin is the motor protein that forms the thick filaments in a muscle’s sarcomere. Its long tails assemble in the center of the sarcomere, while the globular heads extend outward to form cross-bridges with actin in the thin filaments. During contraction, ATP powers these myosin heads to 'pull' on actin, sliding the thin filaments past the thick ones and shortening the sarcomere. That’s why myosin is described as part of the thick filaments—it's the main protein making up those filaments, unlike nerve fibers, bone, or a muscle fiber itself.

Myosin is the motor protein that forms the thick filaments in a muscle’s sarcomere. Its long tails assemble in the center of the sarcomere, while the globular heads extend outward to form cross-bridges with actin in the thin filaments. During contraction, ATP powers these myosin heads to 'pull' on actin, sliding the thin filaments past the thick ones and shortening the sarcomere. That’s why myosin is described as part of the thick filaments—it's the main protein making up those filaments, unlike nerve fibers, bone, or a muscle fiber itself.

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