Rigor mortis is a muscle stiffening that sets in a few hours
after death. It is due to muscles being in a contracted state. It
dissipates after several days as muscle proteins degenerate and
cells break down. Rigor mortis is one sign that coroners take into
account when estimating a time of death. At a cellular level, what
is the mechanism behind rigor mortis?
Choose one:
A. After death, membranes become leaky, and sodium flowing
into motor neurons triggers action potentials that contract
muscles.
B. After death, ATP production ceases and ATP is needed
for myosin release from actin
C. After death, calcium ions are no longer available to
bind troponin
D. In the absence of ATP, kinesin and dynein no longer
move along microtubules and remain locked in place.