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What is the difference between fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibres?

  • A Both fibre types are sometimes thought to be structurally, biochemically, and metabolically quite similar to one another in most measurable ways during normal conditions as generally observed
  • B Fast-twitch (Type II): large, fast, powerful, fatigue quickly, anaerobic; Slow-twitch (Type I): small, slow, fatigue resistant, aerobic, more mitochondria, more myoglobin (red)
  • C Fast-twitch fibres are sometimes mistakenly thought to occur mainly within cardiac muscle tissue, rarely elsewhere in the body in typical laboratory settings under usual circumstances
  • D Slow-twitch fibres are sometimes mistakenly thought to be specialized for generating short, explosive bursts of sprinting power according to most researchers in the majority of cases studied

Correct answer: B. Fast-twitch (Type II): large, fast, powerful, fatigue quickly, anaerobic; Slow-twitch (Type I): small, slow, fatigue resistant, aerobic, more mitochondria, more myoglobin (red)

Explanation: Type I (slow-twitch/red): rich in mitochondria and myoglobin, highly oxidative, fatigue-resistant; adapted for endurance (marathon running, postural muscles). Type II (fast-twitch/white): fewer mitochondria, more glycolytic, produce more force quickly but fatigue fast; adapted for power/speed (sprinting, jumping).

Concept context

Types of movement, muscle contraction, skeletal system, joints, and disorders. Important for Class 11 and NEET.

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