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Related Concept Videos

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the generated carbocation,...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael acceptor.
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis01:28

ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis

Biological macromolecules are organic compounds, predominantly composed of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are covalently bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements. There are four major biological macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
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Conversion of...
Actin Treadmilling01:18

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Actin filaments undergo polymerization and depolymerization from either end. The polymerization and depolymerization rates depend on the cytosolic concentration of free G-actins. The polymerization rate is generally higher at the plus or barbed end, while the depolymerization rate is higher at the minus or pointed end. At a steady state, critical concentration describes the concentration of free G-actin monomers at which the polymerization rate at the plus end is equal to that of the...
Actin Polymerization01:42

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Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...

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A tethering mechanism for length control in a processive carbohydrate polymerization.

John F May1, Rebecca A Splain, Christine Brotschi

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|July 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Mycobacterial galactan synthesis is controlled intrinsically by the GlfT2 enzyme. This polymerase uses a substrate tether mechanism to regulate polymer length without a template.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Carbohydrate polymers are abundant biopolymers.
  • Polymerases synthesize polymers without templates.
  • Understanding template-independent length control is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the mechanism of template-independent length control in carbohydrate polymer synthesis.
  • Elucidate how the mycobacterial galactofuranosyl-transferase GlfT2 regulates galactan polymer length.

Main Methods:

  • Recombinant GlfT2 expression and purification.
  • In vitro synthesis of galactan polymers using synthetic substrates.
  • Analysis of polymer degree of polymerization.
  • Processivity assays.

Main Results:

  • Isolated GlfT2 synthesizes galactan polymers with biologically relevant lengths.
  • GlfT2 exhibits processive polymerization activity.
  • Length control is mediated by a substrate tether distal to the elongation site.
  • Tether interaction strength correlates with polymer length.

Conclusions:

  • GlfT2 possesses intrinsic length control capabilities for galactan synthesis.
  • A novel substrate tether mechanism governs polymer length in template-independent polymerization.
  • This study identifies a unique mechanism for controlling polymer chain length in biological systems.