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

11094 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

explain how the human circulatory system is adapted to remove CO2 from tissues (3)


What are two different ways cells of the body signal each other? Give an example of each.


Explain how a leaky heart valve can cause health issues


Explain the effect of an increase in temperature on enzymatic activity


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning