The intrinsic viscosity of myosin and the interpretation of its hydrodynamic properties

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Abstract
The problems involved in the viscometry of myosin solutions have been investigated, and many of the difficulties overcome by the use of a modified form of capillary viscometer. A value for the intrinsic viscosity of myosin, [image]is reported. With this value, together with [image]a [beta] factor of 2.83 is calculated. The hydrodynamically equivalent ellipsoid possesses an axial ratio J =34.5 and effective volume V = 2.52 ml/g. An independent treatment utilizing the sedimentation-concentration dependence is shown to give consistent results. The values for the molecular weight obtained by the "Archibald" method are shown to be inconsistent with the present data, and it is suggested that the Archibald values may be too low. The properties of the equivalent ellipsoid are discussed in terms of possible molecular models, and the dimensions of one model, a hollow cylinder of revolution, are calculated.