The 'IRIS Diaphragm' - Principle of Centriole and Basal Body Formation
Abstract
The paper suggests that the formation and the structure of the microtubular skeleton of centrioles and basal bodies can be derived from the following simple geometric principle. A closed ring of 9 microtubular initiation sites defines: 1) a template for the densest packing of 18 additional microtubular initiation sites; and 2) the shape of 9 rigid arms. Upon swivelling of each arm around a point which is located 4 initiation sites away on the initial ring the array unfolds in a manner similar to the opening of an iris- diaphragm. As a consequence, the curved shape of the microtubular triplet blades arises together with the clockwise rotational sense of the slanted blades of the centriole or basal body. The final diameter of the centriole (basal body) self- adjusts. Furthermore, the pitch of the triplet blades, the taper of the centrioles and basal bodies and the change of slant of the blades towards the distal end can be derived. In addition, a method of replication of pro- centrioles (pro-basal bodies) is implied. The hypothesis is supported by the fitting of electron microscopical cross-sections of centrioles of 3T3 cells to the geometric shapes predicted by the model. Cell structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219206
Entities
People
- Guenter Albrecht-buehler
Organizations
- Northwestern University