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.

JW
Answered by Jade W. Biology tutor

10501 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?


How does evolution occur by natural selection?


How do I answer a compare question?


What is the role of ADH in the regulation of water in the body (osmoregulation)?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences