A growing microtubule elongates at and undergoes catastrophe (switching to rapid…

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

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

Problem

A growing microtubule elongates at vg=0.15 μm s−1v_g = 0.15\,\mathrm{\mu m\,s^{-1}} and undergoes catastrophe (switching to rapid shrinkage) at a mean rate fcat=0.020 s−1f_{\rm cat} = 0.020\,\mathrm{s^{-1}}. Rescues are neglected. ((a)) Find the mean length Lˉ=vg/fcat\bar L = v_g/f_{\rm cat} reached before catastrophe. ((b)) A drug doubles the catastrophe frequency without changing vgv_g. Find the new mean length.

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