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What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?
  • a)
    Stimulates cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channels
  • b)
    Stimulates postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors to release intracellular calcium
  • c)
    Binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum, causing calcium release
  • d)
    Binds to the T-tubules, causing calcium release
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cell...
Remember that acetylcholine functions at the neuromuscular junction, not within the muscle cell - so it would not bind to structural elements like sarcoplasmic reticulum or T-tubules.
Acetylcholine receptors do not release calcium.
Acetylcholine indirectly causes calcium release by opening voltage-gated ion channels.
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What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cell...


Role of Acetylcholine in Calcium Release

Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in stimulating cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channels. This process is essential for the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells.

Stimulates Cellular Contraction
Acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter that binds to postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors located on the muscle cell membrane. This binding triggers a series of events that ultimately lead to the opening of voltage-gated ion channels, particularly calcium channels.

Calcium Release from Sarcoplasmic Reticulum
Once the voltage-gated calcium channels are opened, calcium ions flow into the cytoplasm of the muscle cell. This influx of calcium then triggers further release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a specialized organelle in muscle cells that stores and releases calcium ions during muscle contraction.

Importance of Calcium Release
The release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is crucial for muscle contraction. Calcium ions bind to proteins like troponin, which ultimately leads to the exposure of actin-binding sites on the thin filaments of muscle cells. This interaction between actin and myosin filaments is necessary for the generation of force and movement in muscle cells.

In summary, acetylcholine plays a pivotal role in stimulating cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channels, leading to the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and ultimately enabling muscle contraction.
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What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cell...
Option a
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What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channelsb)Stimulates postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors to release intracellular calciumc)Binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum, causing calcium released)Binds to the T-tubules, causing calcium releaseCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channelsb)Stimulates postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors to release intracellular calciumc)Binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum, causing calcium released)Binds to the T-tubules, causing calcium releaseCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the role of acetylcholine in calcium release?a)Stimulates cellular contraction by opening voltage-gated ion channelsb)Stimulates postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors to release intracellular calciumc)Binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum, causing calcium released)Binds to the T-tubules, causing calcium releaseCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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