Data di Pubblicazione:
2008
Abstract:
We use fluorescence microscopy to measure the orientation and shape of microtubules-which serve as a model system for semiflexible rods-that are electrophoretically driven. Surprisingly, a bimodal orientation distribution is observed, with microtubules in either parallel or perpendicular orientations to the electric field. The occupancy of these states varies nonmonotonically with the microtubule length L and the electric field E. We also observe a surprising bending deformation of microtubules. Interestingly, all data collapse onto a universal scaling curve when the average alignment is plotted as a function of B proportional to EL(3), which reflects the ratio between the driving force and a restoring elastic force. Our results have important implications for the interpretation of electrical birefringence experiments and, more generally, for a better understanding of the electrokinetics of rods.
Tipologia CRIS:
03A-Articolo su Rivista
Elenco autori:
M. G. L.;R. Bondesan;M. C. Lagomarsino;C. Dekker
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