Electric fields determine the spatial organization of microtubules and actin filaments.
A theory is proposed in which electric fields determine the spatial structure of actin filaments and microtubules in cellular processes by interacting with the dipole moments of actin and tubulin to orient these molecules in the direction of the field, thus enhancing polymerization parallel to the field lines. Applications to mitosis and chemotaxis are discussed.
Meggs
W J
WJ
Emergency Department, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010.
D000199:Actins; D000818:Animals; D003599:Cytoskeleton; D004560:Electricity; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules; D011108:Polymers
D000199:Actins; D011108:Polymers