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Hypothetically, if a muscle were stretched to the point where thick and thin filaments no longer overlapped, cross bridge attachment would be optimum because of all the free binding sites on actin maximum force production would result because the muscle has a maximum range of travel ATP consumption would increase because the sarcomere is "trying" to contract no muscle tension could be generated

Ask by Flynn Matthews. in the United States
Mar 18,2025

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When a muscle is stretched so that thick and thin filaments no longer overlap, cross-bridge attachment becomes optimal due to more free binding sites on actin, leading to maximum force production and increased ATP consumption. However, no muscle tension can be generated in this state.

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If a muscle is stretched to the point where there is no overlap between thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments, the ability to generate tension is severely compromised. This is because the cross-bridge attachment, which is crucial for muscle contraction, is rendered ineffective without overlapping filaments. Essentially, no muscle tension could be generated, leading to a state where the muscle can't contract effectively, resulting in zero force production. In reality, muscles operate best within a specific range of stretch known as the optimal length. Stretching beyond this point not only inhibits force generation due to lack of cross-bridge interaction but can also lead to energy wastage. The muscle's attempt to contract against an insufficient overlapping structure could lead to a spike in ATP consumption, wasting energy while yielding no functional result. Thus, finding the right balance of stretch is key for effective muscle performance!

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