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Updated: May 14, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
Published on: February 18, 2022
Vibrations in microtubules
J Pokorný1, F Jelínek, V Trkal
1Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic ; Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Vibrations in microtubules and actin filaments are analysed using amethod similar to that employed for description of lattice vibrationsin solid state physics. The derived dispersion relations show thatvibrations in microtubules can have optical and acoustical branches.The highest frequency of vibrations in microtubules and in actinfilaments is of the order of 10(8) Hz. Vibrations are polar andinteraction with surroundings is mediated by the generatedelectromagnetic field. Supply of energy from hydrolysis of guanosinetriphosphate (GTP) in microtubules and of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in actin filaments may excite the vibrations.
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