Type I muscle fibres are red in colour due to high content of what?

Study for the Advanced Subsidiary WJEC Physical Education Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Type I muscle fibres are red in colour due to high content of what?

Explanation:
Type I fibres are slow-twitch, oxidative fibres that are built for endurance and rely on aerobic respiration. They are packed with myoglobin, a red pigment that stores oxygen, which gives them their characteristic red colour. They also contain a high density of mitochondria to support sustained oxidative metabolism. While a rich blood supply (capillaries) helps with oxygen delivery, the red appearance mainly comes from the pigment myoglobin and the mitochondria that enable continuous oxygen use. So, both myoglobin and mitochondria content together best explains why these fibres are red.

Type I fibres are slow-twitch, oxidative fibres that are built for endurance and rely on aerobic respiration. They are packed with myoglobin, a red pigment that stores oxygen, which gives them their characteristic red colour. They also contain a high density of mitochondria to support sustained oxidative metabolism. While a rich blood supply (capillaries) helps with oxygen delivery, the red appearance mainly comes from the pigment myoglobin and the mitochondria that enable continuous oxygen use. So, both myoglobin and mitochondria content together best explains why these fibres are red.

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