Propagation of localized bending deformations in microtubules |
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| Authors: | J A Tuszyński S Portet J M Dixon |
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| Institution: | 1. Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada;2. Dept. of Mathematics, 342 Machray Hall, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada;3. Dept. of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK |
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| Abstract: | A continuum medium model is proposed describing a microtubule (MT) as an elastic rod. When the MT is subjected to a constant bending force, the dynamics of the angular deviation, with respect to the MT's rectilinear configuration, is governed by a Sine-Gordon equation. Particular analytical solutions are kink and anti-kink bending modes which may propagate at various speeds along the MT's length. Kinetic energies of these modes compare with thermal and ATP hydrolysis energies. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) |
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