title: Solution scattering studies of dimeric and tetrameric spectrin.
abstract: The structure of spectrin dimers and tetramers in solution has been examined by light, low-angle X-ray and neutron scattering. The results show a good correspondence between the solution dimensions of these molecules and their appearance in the electron microscope after shadowing. The scattering profiles are not compatible with an extended rod-like character, but reflect the presence of a considerable degree of bending. The radii of gyration of the dimer and tetramer were determined to be 170 and 375 A and the cross-section radii of gyration 14 and 12.3 A, respectively. Both are thus long, thin, rather bent molecules, and the tetramer is twice the length of the dimer.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009502:Neutrons; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013049:Spectrin; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D013049:Spectrin