A biology classmate seems confused by something he read at the professor's website about calcium imbalances and neurotoxins interfering with proper functioning of the muscular system–even to the point of causing death by suffocation. He states the
professor probably goofed up and meant the skeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems were adversely affected. Defend your professor's statements.
What will be an ideal response?
Your classmate would have learned from the chapter and/or lecture that muscle cell function is dependent on calcium and messages delivered by neurotransmitters. Calcium ions play the critical role of allowing myosin heads to bind to the actin filaments, pulling them toward the center of the sarcomeres and contracting the muscle. Neurotransmitters "ferry" the message to the muscle cell that it's time to release calcium and start the contraction process. Without them, muscles such as the diaphragm, which helps us breathe, would malfunction.
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The coenzyme ________ must interact with pyruvate before fermentation by-products are produced.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Large gut populations of Bifidobacterium are
associated with:a. stomach cancer. b. irritable bowel syndrome. c. gastroesophageal reflux disease. d. improved immune function. e. increased vital capacity
The health effects of X-rays on a fetus depend on the amount of ____________________ and the
____________________ of the fetus Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Which neurotransmitter may function to regulate emotions and is involved in pathways that control complex movements?
A) dopamine B) serotonin C) norepinephrine D) synapse