Contractions are initiated by the calcium-activated phosphorylation of myosin rather than calcium binding to troponin.
The site of calcium regulation differs
Calmodulin is a protein that binds calcium ions in smooth muscle cells. When calcium binds to calmodulin, it triggers a series of intracellular signaling events that lead to smooth muscle contraction.
Smooth muscle only.
smooth muscle only
In smooth muscle, the calcium needed for contraction primarily comes from the extracellular space. When smooth muscle cells are stimulated, calcium channels in the cell membrane open, allowing calcium ions to flow into the cell. Additionally, some calcium can also be released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but the extracellular influx is the main source for initiating contraction. This influx of calcium activates the contraction process by interacting with calmodulin and subsequently activating myosin light chain kinase.
Calcium ions in muscle fibers are stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is a specialized form of endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells. When a muscle is stimulated to contract, the sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions into the cytoplasm, triggering muscle contraction.
Yes, calcium plays a crucial role in vasoconstriction. It acts as a signaling molecule that promotes smooth muscle contraction in the blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction. When calcium levels increase in the smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, it triggers a series of events that result in the narrowing of the vessel, increasing vascular resistance and raising blood pressure.
The organelle that stores calcium in resting muscle cells is the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during muscle contraction to trigger muscle activity.
The parasympathetic fibers of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) control the contraction of the circular smooth muscle of the iris, causing pupil constriction.
Calcium binds to the messenger protein Calmodulin. The calcium-calmodulin complex then activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), which phosphorylates myosin to allow it to bind to actin - producing contraction.
Vasoconstriction is normal contraction of smooth muscle in the artery wall.
The sarcoplasmic reticulum is a special type of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. It releases calcium ions during muscle contraction and absorbs them during relaxation.