Microtubule mechanics: a little flexibility goes a long way.
Microtubules are the least flexible of the cytoskeletal filaments, yet they are occasionally seen to be severely buckled in cells. A recent analysis suggests these buckles are evidence of high contractile forces throughout the cytoplasm, and that the other elements of the cytoskeleton laterally reinforce microtubules to help prevent their collapse.
McGrath
James L
JL
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 639, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. jmcgrath@bme.rochester.edu
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008954:Models, Biological; D018583:Pliability