ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Cross-striated muscle actomyosin thread models
;
Contraction mechanism
;
Relation to vertebrate smooth muscle and myxomycete plasmodia
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The investigation of thread models of actomyosin isolated from cross-striated muscle has led to the following results: 1) Passive stretch and isometric contraction cause a parallel alignment of the filaments from an originally random network. 2) Parallel orientation of the filaments favors the unidirectional contraction of the thread models and decreases their capability of volume contraction. 3) Contraction by ATP results in a condensation of the filamentous system regardless of whether it is oriented or not. 4) Uncontracted threads consist of actin filaments, which are loaded with myosin molecules in the arrowhead pattern and interconnected by oligomeric myosin bridges, whereas contracted threads are made up of both actin and myosin filaments. 5) Contraction of the thread models is brought about by a sliding mechanism that starts from oligomeric myosin units and leads to the formation of myosin filaments. These results are discussed in relation to vertebrate smooth muscle contraction and protoplasmic movement in myxomycete plasmodia.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00307175
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