Continuum model for polymorphism of bacterial flagella.
Bacterial flagellar filaments can abruptly change shape in response to mechanical load or changes in solution pH or ionic strength. These polymorphic transformations are an instance of a ubiquitous phenomenon, the spread of conformational change in large macromolecular assemblies. We propose a new theory for polymorphism, whose essential elements are two molecular switches and an elastic mismatch strain between the inner and outer cores of the filament. We calculate the phase diagram for helical and straight states, and the response of a helical filament to an external moment.
Srigiriraju
Srikanth V
SV
Division of Engineering, Box D, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Powers
Thomas R
TR
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D004548:Elasticity; D005407:Flagella / Q000502:physiology*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008954:Models, Biological; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances