Maximal size of molecule that can freely diffuse in cytoplasm

Value 500 KDa
Organism Eukaryotes
Reference Sodeik B. Mechanisms of viral transport in the cytoplasm. Trends Microbiol. 2000 Oct8(10):465-72. p.465 left column 2nd paragraphPubMed ID11044681
Primary Source Luby-Phelps K. Cytoarchitecture and physical properties of cytoplasm: volume, viscosity, diffusion, intracellular surface area. Int Rev Cytol. 2000 192: 189-221 AND Lukacs GL, Haggie P, Seksek O, Lechardeur D, Freedman N, Verkman AS. Size-dependent DNA mobility in cytoplasm and nucleus. J Biol Chem. 2000 Jan 21 275(3):1625-9.PubMed ID10553280, 10636854
Comments Molecular crowding as a result of the presence of organelles, the cytoskeleton and high protein concentrations (up to 300 mg/ml) effectively restricts free diffusion of molecules larger than 500 kDa [Primary sources].
Entered by Uri M
ID 106161