Microtubule structure at 18 A resolution.
Journal Article
A model for the structure of microtubules at a resolution of 18 A (1 A = 0.1 nm) is described, based on X-ray fiber diffraction data from hydrated reassembled calf brain microtubules. The model was derived by an iterative solvent flattening refinement procedure, with initial phases based on those determined by electron microscopy. The major microtubule surface grooves are those defining the protofilaments, which form a hollow cylinder of maximum diameter 300 A. Strong electron density fluctuations in the microtubule wall are interpreted as evidence for a domain structure within the tubulin subunit. The arrangement of domains is such that the tubulin molecule could be quite flexible at the domain connections; thus, slight changes in this arrangement could account for the unusual polymorphism of tubulin assemblies.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Beese, L; Stubbs, G; Cohen, C
Published Date
- March 20, 1987
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 194 / 2
Start / End Page
- 257 - 264
PubMed ID
- 3612805
Pubmed Central ID
- 3612805
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0022-2836
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/0022-2836(87)90373-1
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England