The characteristic muscle stiffness associated with rigor mortis is due to the inability of myosin filaments to detach from the active site on actin filaments. what molecule is essential for this detachment?

Answer;

ATP

ATP is the essential molecule for the detachment.

Explanation;

-Muscles use actin and myosin molecules to convert the energy of ATP into force.

-During the power stroke, the phosphate generated in the previous contraction cycle is released which results in the myosin head pivoting toward the center of the sarcomere, after which the attached ADP and phosphate group are released.

-A new molecule of ATP attaches to the myosin head, causing the cross-bridge to detach.

-The myosin head hydrolyzes ATP to ADP and phosphate, which returns the myosin to the cocked position.