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. 

LH
Answered by Laura H. Biology tutor

9539 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the difference types of transport across membranes?


Define antibodies and antigens, and describe the different ways in which the body develops immunity.


Describe methods of solute transport across a cell membrane.


Describe that lock and key hypothesis


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning