Direction of active sliding of microtubules in Tetrahymena cilia

W. S. Sale, P. Satir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

238 Scopus citations

Abstract

Axonemes of protozoan (Tetrahymena thermophila BIII) cilia, isolated by the dibucaine method, were treated briefly with trypsin after removal of the ciliary membranes by treatment with Triton X-100. After attachment to polylysine-coated surfaces, the partially digested axonemes remained mainly intact cylinders. Such attached axonemes can be treated with ATP, which induces microtubule sliding. ATP-treated preparations showed disrupted axonemes in which doublets had telescoped out of the original cylinders. These could be captured in place for electron microscopy after critical point drying. Images of this type were used to determine relative movement between adjacent doublet microtubules. Each doublet activity slid relative to its neighbors in a single direction, in which the polarity of force generation of the dynein arms was from base to tip.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2045-2049
Number of pages5
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume74
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1977
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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