Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780815344322
Author: Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 16, Problem 1P
Summary Introduction

To examine: Whether the statement, “The role of ATP hydrolysis in actin polymerization is similar to the role of GTP hydrolysis in tubulin polymerization: both serve to weaken the bonds in the polymer and thereby promote depolymerization”, is true or false.

Introduction: The actin filaments are the helical polymers of actin monomers and composed of two helical strands of F-actin molecules and two strands of tropomyosin molecules. The microtubules are hollow and cylindrical in structure and composed of with αβ-tubulin having two subunits such as α-tubulin and β-tubulin.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1P

Correct answer: The statement is true.

Explanation of Solution

When ATP and GTP in actin filaments and in microtubules are hydrolyzed respectively, much of the free energy released. This is due to the cleavage of high-energy bond that is stored in the polymer lattice. The free energy of the ADP or GDP containing polymer is higher than that of the ATP or GTP containing polymer. Thus, the equilibrium shifts towards depolymerization.

Hence, the statement is true.

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