A single microtubule of length

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Fluids & Continuum Physics · Biophysics & Medical Physics · Macromolecules, membranes and cell architecture

Forces, Machines and Signals, Ch Filaments, networks and the mechanics of whole cells

Problem

A single microtubule of length L=5.0 μmL = 5.0\,\mathrm{\mu m}, simply supported at both ends, floats free in buffer with bending rigidity κ=2.1×10−23 N m2\kappa = 2.1\times10^{-23}\,\mathrm{N\,m^2} (obtained from its measured persistence length). ((a)) Find the Euler critical buckling load Fc=π2κ/L2F_c = \pi^2\kappa/L^2. ((b)) State whether an axial compressive load of 5.0 pN5.0\,\mathrm{pN} would buckle this microtubule.

Browse the problem library