What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in muscle contraction?

1 Answer
Maxwell
Jul 21, 2017

Primarily to store large amounts of #"Ca"^(+2)# ions for muscle contraction.

Explanation:

It is a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum in muscles cell which primarily functions to store large amounts of #Ca^(+2)# ions for muscle contraction.

When an action potential occurs, the signal reaches the SR and causes the release of the large stores of #"Ca"^(+2)# ions. These calcium ions will initiate the start of contraction of muscle cells. When contraction is no longer needed, the SR will actively pump #"Ca"^(+2)# back into the SR lumen for future use.

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