title: A model for the architecture of the hemocyanin from the arthropod Squilla mantis (Crustacea, Stomatopoda).
abstract: Squilla mantis hemocyanin is composed of two hexameric subunits but has electron microscopic profiles different from other bis-hexameric hemocyanins, e.g. Astacus and Homarus. We distinguished three different electron microscopic profiles of S. mantis hemocyanin: two sideviews and a topview. These profiles were studied using computer image alignment and correspondence analysis [Van Heel, M. and Frank, J. (1981) Ultramicroscopy 6, 187 - 194]. With the results of this analysis we were able to build a three-dimensional model for the quaternary structure of this hemocyanin. In this model the two hexamers are stacked in such a way that their hexagonal surfaces overlap to about 60% of their width. In the overlap area four subunits are arranged in two different interhexameric pairs, each forming a bridging area between the two hexamers.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003201:Computers; D003445:Crustacea; D006433:Hemocyanins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008961:Models, Structural; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D006433:Hemocyanins