Nanomechanics of microtubules

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Dec 9;89(24):248101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.248101. Epub 2002 Nov 21.

Abstract

We have determined the mechanical anisotropy of a single microtubule by simultaneously measuring the Young's and the shear moduli in vitro. This was achieved by elastically deforming the microtubule deposited on a substrate tailored by electron-beam lithography with a tip of an atomic force microscope. The shear modulus is 2 orders of magnitude lower than the Young's, giving rise to a length-dependent flexural rigidity of microtubules. The temperature dependence of the microtubule's bending stiffness in the (5-40) degrees C range shows a strong variation upon cooling coming from the increasing interaction between the protofilaments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Elasticity
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Microtubules / physiology
  • Nanotechnology / methods