XB-IMG-128852
Xenbase Image ID: 128852
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Figure 5. A larger microtubule polymerization rate leads to limited increase in centrosome speed.While the centrosome centers within a shorter time for moderate increase in the microtubule (MT) polymerization rate, the centering time saturates for large polymerization rates. This is due to two competing factors: a larger polymerization rate leads to a larger asymmetry in the numbers of force-generating vesicles but also leads to the microtubules touching the far cortical side sooner. Experiments show that centering is completed before the microtubules touch the far cortical side. For all polymerization rates shown except 250 nm/s, the microtubules touch the far cortical side before the centrosome reaches its central position. An average microtubule polymerization rate of 250 nm/s was reported for Xenopus laevis embryos. The dashed line delineates the centering time experimentally observed. (calculation parameters: 100 microtubules; vesicle diameter: 100 nm (red squares), 200 nm (black circles); viscosity ratioâ=â5; 2 vesicles/µm; 2 µm/s vesicle velocity). Image published in: Longoria RA and Shubeita GT (2013) Image reproduced on Xenbase with permission of the publisher and the copyright holder. Creative Commons Attribution license Larger Image Printer Friendly View |