You are constructing working models of the heart for extra credit. Your first attempt failed because the cells separated from each other during beating. What structures did you omit, and why did this allow the heart to fall apart? You omitted the gap junctions in your second attempt. How would a real heart fail to function normally without gap junctions?
What will be an ideal response?
Desmosomes were omitted. Without desmosomes, the contractile force of the heart would be large enough to separate the cells from each other. Without the gap junctions, the electrical currents that stimulate contraction would not be propagated from cell to cell, and the heart would fail to beat.
You might also like to view...
Select the correct statement about proteins.
A) Strict vegetarians need not worry about adequate protein intake, as most vegetables are almost perfect sources of amino acids. B) Proteins can be synthesized in the body if most of the amino acids are present. C) Proteins will be used by most cells for ATP synthesis if insufficient carbohydrates are ingested. D) Catabolic steroids (hormones) accelerate the
How many primary oocytes does a female have by the onset of puberty?
A. 400,000 B. 500,000 C. 1 million D. 2 million E. 1,000
The superior olivary complex is involved in detecting the
A. brightness of a light. B. intensity of a smell. C. texture of a touch stimulus. D. location of a sound. E. flavor of a taste.
A vasodilator causes a decrease in local blood flow at a capillary bed
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.