This stiffening is called rigor mortis. Depending on temperature and other conditions, rigor mortis lasts approximately 72 hours. The phenomenon is caused by ... However, muscles need ATP in order to release from a contracted state (it is used to pump the calcium out of the cells so the fibers can unlatch from each other).
chemistry.about.com/cs/biochemistry/a/aa061903a.htm
Rigor mortis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rigor mortis is one of the recognizable signs of death (Latin mors, mortis meaning "of death") that is caused by a chemical change in the muscles after death, causing the limbs of the corpse to bec...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigor_mortis
In conclusion, rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body due to a lack of ATP after death. Only temporary, the condition is environmentally sensitive and is believed to occur in all grown humans.
serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web2/wcarroll.ht... serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web2/wcarroll.html
Now to understand rigor mortis, follow the ATP (and especially the breakdown of ATP) during the above cycle: 1. Myosin binds a molecule of ATP (the myosin is not holding the actin tightly yet) 2. The myosin catalyzes the breakdown of the ATP to ADP and Pi (inorganic phosphate), releasing energy that is temporarily stored...
www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/zoo00/zoo00248.htm
Rigor mortis occurs because metabolic activity continues in the muscle after death. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is needed to maintain the postmortem relaxation of the muscles.
www.pathguy.com/~tdemark/0006.htm
Rigor mortis is due to a biochemical change in the muscles that occurs several hours after death, though the time of its onset after death depends on the ambient temperature. The biochemical basis of rigor mortis is hydrolysis in muscle of ATP, the energy source required for movement.
www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40573
This is known as rigor mortis. Rigor commences in the smallest muscles such as those in the face and the hands, and then extends to the limb ... Rigor is brought about by a chemical change in the muscle. The normal reaction between adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate (ATP and ADP) within the muscle fibres,
www.answers.com/topic/rigor-mortis www.answers.com/topic/rigor-mortis
Without ATP, myosin stays locked onto actin, even if the muscle is trying to relax. Thus, when living muscle finally runs out of ATP after slaughter, then rigor mortis develops.
www.aps.uoguelph.ca/~swatland/ch5_1.htm
Health question: What is rigor mortis? ATP synthesis ceases, but it continues to be consumed and cross bridge detachment is impossible. Actin and myosin become cross linked producing the stiffness of ... Rigor mortis is a build up of released lactic acid. Rigor mortis starts a few hours after you die, and causes your...
wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_rigor_mortis_defnition wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_rigor_mortis_defnition
Review the basic steps of ATP production (i.e., cellular respiration, lactic acid fermentation). ... Understand the relationship between rigor mortis and muscle contraction.
www.sciencecases.org/rigor_mortis/rigor_mortis.asp www.sciencecases.org/rigor_mortis/rigor_mortis.asp