Computer modelling: A versatile tool for the study of structure and function in cilia

Michael E.J. Holwill; Helen C. Taylor; Ernestina Guevara; Peter Satir

doi:10.1016/S0932-4739(98)80049-7

Computer modelling: A versatile tool for the study of structure and function in cilia

Michael E.J. Holwill, Helen C. Taylor, Ernestina Guevara, Peter Satir

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

An accurate and adaptable 3-D structural computer model of the axoneme has been built at a resolution of 4 nm. The model is invaluable in the interpretation of electron micrographs and in the resolution of structural ambiguities. Experiments involving the movement of microtubules by assemblies of dynein motors have been interpreted by computer simulation, using separate models with (a) highly co-ordinated and (b) completely random interactions between the motors. Both simulations provide reasonable agreement with experiment. Finite element analysis is being used to interpret the functions of the axonemal components. Components have been assigned mechanical properties and the distortion of a pair of linked microtubules by assemblies of dynein motors predicted successfully. The structural model provides a means to assess the functional interpretations.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	239-243
Number of pages	5
Journal	European Journal of Protistology
Volume	34
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0932-4739(98)80049-7
State	Published - 1998
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Axoneme
Cilia
Computer modelling
Electron microscopy
Flagella

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Microbiology

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10.1016/S0932-4739(98)80049-7

Cite this

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abstract = "An accurate and adaptable 3-D structural computer model of the axoneme has been built at a resolution of 4 nm. The model is invaluable in the interpretation of electron micrographs and in the resolution of structural ambiguities. Experiments involving the movement of microtubules by assemblies of dynein motors have been interpreted by computer simulation, using separate models with (a) highly co-ordinated and (b) completely random interactions between the motors. Both simulations provide reasonable agreement with experiment. Finite element analysis is being used to interpret the functions of the axonemal components. Components have been assigned mechanical properties and the distortion of a pair of linked microtubules by assemblies of dynein motors predicted successfully. The structural model provides a means to assess the functional interpretations.",

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AU - Holwill, Michael E.J.

AU - Taylor, Helen C.

AU - Guevara, Ernestina

AU - Satir, Peter

PY - 1998

Y1 - 1998

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KW - Cilia

KW - Computer modelling

KW - Electron microscopy

KW - Flagella

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Computer modelling: A versatile tool for the study of structure and function in cilia

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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