Polymorphism of actin paracrystals induced by polylysine.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A method for the induction of different polymorphic forms of [rabbit and chicken] actin filament paracrystals is described. This polymorphism was probably based on differences in the stagger and/or polarity of adjacent filaments in single-layered paracrystals and by superposition of different layers in multilayered paracrystals. The helical parameters defining the filament geometry were indistinguishable for the different polymorphic forms observed and for the 4 different actins used. Analysis of these paracrystals, some of which were ordered to better than 2.5 nm, should provide a reference structure suitable for alignment and orientation within the actin filament of high resolution models of the actin monomer obtained from crystal data.