Microtubule dynamics. |
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Authors: | M Caplow |
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Institution: | Department of Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7260. |
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Abstract: | Although compelling evidence has been obtained for heterogeneity in the structure of subunits in microtubules, it has not been possible to prove that this results from the presence of tubulin-GDP and tubulin-GTP in polymers. There are reasons to exclude the existence of even a monolayer of tubulin-GTP subunits at microtubule ends. Dynamic behavior appears to be best accounted for by a mechanism in which tubulin-GDP in microtubules exists in two conformations. The mechanism of microtubule-associated protein binding to microtubules and the role of phosphorylation on this reaction are discussed. |
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