The pH-dependent nature of actin transformation

The relationship between solution pH and G- to F-actin interconversion was variously examined. Actin interconversion was found to be a highly pH-dependent process. Polymerization was suppressed on elevating solution pH and enhanced in the presence of excess hydrogen ion. The observed relationship between pH and actin polymerization allows for the preparation and further study of (a) highly polymerized F-actin solutions in low electrolyte media, (b) nonpolymerized actin solutions in high electrolyte media, and (c) intermediates in the conversion of G- to F-actin.