Abstract
We review and model the experimental parameters which characterize elastic properties of microtubules. Three macroscopic estimates are made of the anisotropic elastic moduli, accounting for the molecular forces between tubulin dimers: for a longitudinal compression of a microtubule, for a lateral force and for a shearing force. These estimates reflect the anisotropies in these parameters observed in several recent experiments.
Publication types
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Evaluation Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anisotropy
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Computer Simulation
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Elasticity
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Humans
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Microtubules / chemistry*
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Microtubules / physiology*
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Microtubules / ultrastructure
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Models, Biological*
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Models, Chemical*
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Models, Molecular*
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Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
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Multiprotein Complexes / physiology
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Multiprotein Complexes / ultrastructure
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Protein Binding
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Stress, Mechanical
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Tubulin / chemistry*
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Tubulin / physiology*
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Tubulin / ultrastructure
Substances
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Multiprotein Complexes
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Tubulin