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Question #46863

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Hemichordates, representing an evolutionary bridge among deuterostomes, utilize diffuse myoepithelial arrangements for movement. In contrast, true chordates exhibit highly organized skeletal muscle striation patterns. Which of the following molecular or structural adaptations was primarily responsible for establishing this definitive sarcomeric organization during evolution?

Options

  • A.

    The de novo emergence of actin and myosin as contractile proteins to replace primitive ciliary tubulin.

  • B.

    The spatial organization of thin filaments into parallel arrays anchored by specialized Z-disc proteins such as alpha-actinin.

  • C.

    The substitution of calmodulin with troponin as the primary calcium-binding sensor located within the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

  • D.

    The fusion of diffuse myoepithelial cells to form a functional syncytium that completely lacks a specialized sarcolemma.

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Evolutionary_Exception

Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.

Concepts Behind This Question

Skeletal Muscle Striation Pattern|Hemichordata Evolutionary Link|Myoepithelial Cells

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the mere presence of contractile proteins and their complex spatial organization.

Students often mistakenly believe that primitive organisms lack actin/myosin (Option A) or fall for location traps regarding regulatory proteins (Option C).

The core NCERT concept tested is that the Z-line is the structural anchor for actin, and its biochemical evolution (alpha-actinin) is what physically creates the striated sarcomeric pattern.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterStructural Organisation in Animals - Class 11
ConceptSkeletal Muscle Striation Pattern
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree