When Sarcomeres Contract, They Generate Force (Tension)

question 72

Multiple Choice

When sarcomeres contract, they generate force (tension) . However, the amount of force generated depends on the sarcomere length and the amount of thick and thin filament overlap. Below is a figure that details the force-generating properties of a single sarcomere. This figure was modified from a scientific paper by Al Gordon and colleagues from 1966 and is a classic illustration of the relationship between sarcomere length and force.
-Mammalian muscles can shorten approximately 35% of their resting length when all sarcomeres contract. If a sarcomere passes through maximal tension generation during this 35% contraction, what is the likely starting point for contraction of a sarcomere?

• A) point A
• B) point B
• C) point D
• D) point E

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