The functional unit of contractile system of a striated muscle is
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Sarcomere
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Z-band
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Cross bridge
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Myofibril
Reveal answer
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A
Correct answer
Explanation
- Each myofibril(a unit of the muscle cell) has alternate dark and light bands on it.
- The light bands contain actin and are called I-band or Isotropic band, whereas the dark band called ‘A’ or Anisotropic band contains myosin.
- In the center of each ‘I’ band is an elastic fibre called ‘Z’ line which bisects it. The thin filaments are firmly attached to the ‘Z’ line.
- The ‘A’ and ‘I’ bands are arranged alternately throughout the length of the myofibrils.
- The sarcomere is considered as the functional unit of contraction. The portion of the myofibril between two successive ‘Z’ lines is considered as a sarcomere. Hence The functional unit of the contractile system of a striated muscle is sarcomere.
- So, the correct answer is 'Sarcomere'.