Skeletal Muscle Contraction Analyses Based on Molecular Potential Theory. Contraction of Sarcomere.

Molecular forces involved in force generation during skeletal muscle contraction.

Recent advances in protein chemistry and the kinetic analysis of tension transients in skeletal muscle fibres have enabled us to elucidate the molecular forces involved in force generation by cross-bridges. On the basis of the temperature effect, we conclude that the elementary step that generates force is an endothermic reaction (the enthalpy change delta H degree = 124 kJ mol-1 at 15 degrees ...

Molecular model of muscle contraction.

A quantitative stochastic model of the mechanochemical cycle of myosin, the protein that drives muscle contraction, is proposed. It is based on three premises: (i) the myosin head incorporates a lever arm, whose equilibrium position adjusts as each of the products of ATP hydrolysis dissociates from the nucleotide pocket; (ii) the chemical reaction rates are modified according to the work done i...

Relation of muscle cell contraction and calcium distribution in sarcomere.

A model of activation of muscle contraction has been proposed. It is based on calcium diffusion and binding to specific regulatory sites in a sarcomere. Calcium ions activate interactions of contractile proteins and thus the generation of force. The model quantifies the relation between calcium released from intracellular stores and the elicited force.

Contraction Bands at Short Sarcomere Length in Chick Muscle

Excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.