ISSN:
0091-7419
Keywords:
red cell
;
erythrocyte
;
membrane
;
scanning electron microscope
;
spectrin
;
actin
;
Life Sciences
;
Molecular Cell Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
A web-like reticulum underlying the human erythrocyte membrane was studied at a resolution of 5-10 nm by means of a scanning electron microscope. The network was visualized in isolated membranes (ghosts) torn open to reveal their interior space and in residues derived from ghosts extracted with Triton X-100. It formed a continuous (rather than patchy) cover over the entire cytoplasmic surface, except where lifted off or torn away. Filaments (5-40 nm in diameter), annular figures (40-60 nm in diameter), and nodes (30-100 nm in diameter) were prominent in different networks. The dimensions of the filaments and the interstices in the reticulum varied with conditions, suggesting that the network has elastic properties. This reticulum is probably related to the erythrocyte membrane proteins spectrin and actin.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jss.400060303
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