CAIE A-Level Biology A2 15.1.10 Muscle Contraction Stimulation Questions
Explain muscle contraction stimulation using evidence from each question and mark scheme.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Biology 9700
- Level
- A2
Explain muscle contraction stimulation using evidence from each question and mark scheme.
The plant Strychnos toxifera produces the toxin curare, which can cause muscle paralysis in mammals.
The toxin acts by binding to receptors on the cell surface membranes (sarcolemma) of muscle cells at neuromuscular junctions.
Suggest how binding of curare to receptors may cause muscle paralysis.
any four from:
1 competes with, acetylcholine / neurotransmitter
or
acetylcholine cannot bind to receptors
or
blocks receptors ;
2Na+channels do not open
or
no / fewer, sodium ions enter (muscle fibre) ;
3 so, no / less, depolarisation of sarcolemma ;
4 no / fewer, action potentials/ impulses (spread across muscle fibre) ;
5Ca2+ (voltage-gated) channels do not open in sarcoplasmic reticulum
or
no / fewer, Ca2+ ions released by sarcoplasmic reticulum ;
6 no / fewer, Ca2+ ions bind to troponin
or
no exposing of binding sites
or
no / fewer, cross bridges / AW ;
Suggest why the action of curare may lead to the death of a mammal.
any two from:
1 affects, rib muscles / intercostal muscles / diaphragm, so unable to breathe ;
2 affects cardiac muscle so, stops blood circulation / heart failure / attack ;
3 cannot move so unable to escape from predators ;
4 cannot eat so starves ;