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Question #46842
The Question
In a specific cardiomyopathy, autoantibodies selectively destroy the communication junctions located at the intercalated discs of cardiac muscle tissue, while leaving other junctional complexes intact. Which of the following will be the primary physiological consequence of this disruption?
Options
- A.
The cardiac muscle fibers will lose their mechanical adhesion and separate during vigorous systolic contractions.
- B.
The auto-rhythmic property of the Sino-Atrial (SA) node will be abolished, preventing the generation of action potentials.
- C.
The adjacent cardiac cells will fail to contract as a synchronized unit due to the disruption of rapid intercellular ionic flux.
- D.
The duration of the plateau phase in the ventricular action potential will be significantly prolonged due to calcium accumulation.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Epithelial Junctions Polarity|Intercalated Disc Function|Cardiac_Myocytes
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the mechanical (desmosomes) and electrical (gap junctions) components of intercalated discs.
Common Misconception: Students often confuse the generation of an action potential (SA node auto-rhythmicity) with its propagation (gap junction-mediated ionic flux), or conflate the functions of different cell junctions within the same tissue.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Structural Organisation in Animals - Class 11 |
| Concept | Epithelial Junctions Polarity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |