Structure of microtubules with reduced hydration. Comparison of results from X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
A recent model for the structure of microtubules is used to interpret X-ray fiber diffraction patterns from microtubules, obtained under various conditions. The results suggest that tubulin may undergo conformational changes under conditions of reduced water-activity. Such changes could account for some of the differences in the structure of tubulin as determined by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Beese
L
L
Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02254.
Stubbs
G
G
Thomas
J
J
Cohen
C
C
D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008870:Microtubules / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011487:Protein Conformation; D014404:Tubulin; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D014404:Tubulin