| Speaker: | Charles B. Lindemann ( Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan) | |||
| Title: | Mechanical Considerations in Flagellar Beating |
| Abstract: |
The eukaryotic flagellum is a self-contained micro-machine capable of converting chemical energy from Mg-ATP directly into useful mechanical work. To accomplish this function it must coordinate the action of thousands of single dynein motors into episodes of cooperative activity. Direct measurements of the stalling force generated by intact bull sperm flagella indicates that a large sub-fraction of the dyneins must pull together to account for the total force generated in the beat cycle. Also we find that when mechanical bending is blocked, the beat cycle is interrupted and switching of beat direction does not occur. This observation supports a major role for mechanical feedback in the mechanism that coordinates the beat cycle. Therefore, it is crucial that we understand the mechanical properties of the axoneme and of the dynein motors if we are to construct an accurate model of the flagellar beating mechanism. Some recently available information on the mechanical properties of dynein and the axoneme will be presented.
(Supported by NSF grant MCB-0110024)
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