Which of the following statements correctly describes why a series of closely spaced action potentials causes a sustained contraction rather than a series of closely spaced twitches?

Question

A. Release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through channels is slow compared to the uptake of Ca2+ into the SR via ATP-dependent pumps, resulting in Ca2+ slowly trickling into the sarcomeres between closely spaced action potentials.
B. Ca2+ ions are released quickly from troponin, keeping the Ca2+ concentration in the cytosol high between closely spaced action potentials.
C. When a series of action potentials is closely spaced, there is not sufficient time for Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum between action potentials, and Ca2+ remains bound to troponin throughout the series.
D. Fewer Ca2+ ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum as a result of several closely spaced action potentials than as a result of a single action potential.

Answer 1

Ans: C. When a series of action potentials is closely spaced, there is not sufficient time for Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum between action potentials, and Ca2+ remains bound to troponin throughout the series.