Which of the following ions binds to the troponin complex, initiating contraction of a muscle?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Phosphorus
When a muscle cell is stimulated by a nerve impulse, calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm. The calcium ions bind to the troponin complex, which is a protein that regulates the interaction between actin and myosin filaments. The binding of calcium to troponin causes a conformational change that exposes the binding sites for myosin on the actin filaments. This allows the myosin heads to attach to the actin and pull the filaments past each other, resulting in muscle contraction.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.