Theoretical calculation of layer geometry in rotary shadowed models of membrane-associated particles.
The geometry of the evaporated metal layer on models of membrane-associated particles has been calculated theoretically and the respective density profiles have been estimated. The models were a hollow cylinder, a hemisphere and a rotary ellipsoid substituting the freeze-fracture appearance of gap junction connexons and globular integral membrane proteins respectively. These calculations may be used as a help for choosing an optimal compromise between shadowing angle and layer thickness. They furthermore provide a basis for assaying the extent of shadowing artefacts such as decoration and lead to a more accurate interpretation of rotary shadowed structures.
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis; D005614:Freeze Fracturing / Q000379:methods*; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008433:Mathematics; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008954:Models, Biological; D010316:Particle Size; D051381:Rats
D008565:Membrane Proteins