ATP then binds to myosin, moving the myosin to its high-energy state, releasing the myosin head from the actin active site. ATP can then attach to myosin, which allows the cross-bridge cycle to start again; further muscle contraction can occur.
What is the purpose of the cross bridge cycle?
Cross-bridge Cycling. As stated above, cross-bridge cycling forms the basis for movement and force production in muscle cells. Each cycle of myosin binding to actin and movement of the thin filament involves the hydrolysis of one ATP molecule.