Microtubule structure at low resolution by x-ray diffraction

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1977 Aug;74(8):3370-4. doi: 10.1073/pnas.74.8.3370.

Abstract

Analysis of x-ray diagrams of oriented hydrated cytoplasmic microtubules shows that the tubule wall extends from about 70 to 150 A radially. The central region of the wall appears homogeneous, but the outside surface is subdivided by vertical grooves separating the 13 protofilaments and by a steep 10-fold family of grooves. The inside surface is dominated by the 10-start grooves with no clear subdivision between the protofilaments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / ultrastructure
  • Cattle
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure*
  • Models, Structural
  • X-Ray Diffraction