title: Hydrodynamic characterization of the heterodimer of spectrin.
abstract: The hydrodynamic properties of the spectrin dimer have been examined. The S20,w value of 9.3 S and the D20,w value of 1.75 x 10(-7) cm2 x s-1 yield a molecular weight of 470 000, in good agreement with the value from sedimentation equilibrium of 460 000. The frictional ratio of 2.3 and the intrinsic viscosity of 36 ml/g are not consistent with a compact, globular structure, but the value of the parameter Ks/[eta], 1.15, is not consistent with a rigid rod model. The most appropriate model, consistent also with data from other laboratories, is of a flexible, kinked rod-like molecule.
mesh_terms: D004058:Diffusion; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013049:Spectrin; D014461:Ultracentrifugation; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D013049:Spectrin