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Related Concept Videos

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

Mechanism of Ciliary Motion

The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

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The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles01:43

The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles

In eukaryotic cells,  cytoskeletal filaments such as actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments form a mesh-like cytoskeletal network. These filaments serve as tracks for transporting cellular cargo. Specialized motor proteins use the chemical energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for this transport. During interphase, microtubules are polarized, with the plus-end towards the cell periphery and the minus-end towards the cell center. Two microtubule-associated motor proteins,...
Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins01:32

Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins

Eukaryotic cells have different motor proteins for transporting various cargo within the cell. These motor proteins differ based on the filament they associate with, the direction they move within the cell, and the type of cargo they transport. Motor proteins that associate with microtubules are known as microtubule-associated motor proteins. There are two families of microtubule-associated motor proteins —Kinesins and Dyneins. Both these proteins assist in the transport of cellular cargos...
Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...

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Probing Myosin Ensemble Mechanics in Actin Filament Bundles Using Optical Tweezers
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Published on: May 4, 2022

Oscillations in molecular motor assemblies.

Andrej Vilfan1, Erwin Frey

  • 1J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|June 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biological autonomous oscillations arise from molecular engines and cytoskeletal polymers. Analyzing system architecture reveals delayed force activation or anomalous force-velocity relations, explaining oscillatory mechanisms.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Systems Biology
  • Molecular Machines

Background:

  • Autonomous oscillations in biological systems can stem from biochemical processes or physical interactions.
  • Molecular motor assemblies involve molecular engines (force-generating) and cytoskeletal polymers (visco-elastic).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the physical mechanisms underlying autonomous oscillations in molecular motor assemblies.
  • To categorize and analyze different architectural models contributing to these oscillations.

Main Methods:

  • Phase plane analysis from dynamic systems theory.
  • Control theory methods, including the Nyquist stability criterion.
  • Examination of two model categories: delayed force activation and anomalous force-velocity relations.

Main Results:

  • Oscillations are fundamentally linked to the interplay between molecular motors and polymer mechanics.
  • System architecture dictates whether delayed force activation or anomalous force-velocity relationships drive oscillations.
  • Phase plane and control theory analyses provide frameworks for understanding stability and oscillation dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • The physical architecture of molecular motor assemblies is crucial for generating autonomous oscillations.
  • Distinct mechanistic pathways, characterized by force activation or force-velocity properties, explain observed oscillatory behaviors.
  • Advanced analytical techniques offer robust methods for studying these complex biological dynamics.