Which enzyme is responsible for phosphorylating the myosin head to allow it to bind to actin in smooth muscle?
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Correct answer: Myosin Light Chain Kinase
Contraction in smooth muscle is 'thick-filament regulated.' Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) phosphorylates the regulatory light chain of the myosin head, which triggers a conformational change that enables cross-bridge cycling.
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