Fractal aspects of elastin supramolecular organization

J Biomol Struct Dyn. 1995 Jun;12(6):1161-72. doi: 10.1080/07391102.1995.10508805.

Abstract

The supramolecular organisation of elastin and its soluble derivative alpha-elastin were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was found a variety of different structures including filaments, fibrils, fibres, networks and dendritic, leaf-like forms. Self-similar patterns, extending for at least three orders of magnitude, were revealed, strongly suggesting the presence of fractal objects. The fractal dimension D was determined by using the box counting method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Elastin / ultrastructure*
  • Fractals
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Elastin