Question

Microtubules can be formed in vitro from tubulin that is bound to GTP analogues that (unlike GTP) cannot be hydrolyzed. What properties would you expect these microtubules to possess?

Answer 1

Microtubules formed from tubulin bound to GTP analogues that cannot be hydrolyzed would possess properties of stability, persistence, and reduced dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Microtubules can be formed in vitro from tubulin that is bound to GTP analogues that cannot be hydrolyzed. These microtubules would possess some unique properties:

1. Stability: Since the GTP analogues cannot be hydrolyzed, the microtubules would remain stable and not undergo disassembly like normal microtubules.
2. Persistence: These microtubules would continue to grow at the plus end without disassembling at the minus end, resulting in a longer and more persistent structure.
3. Lack of dynamics: Unlike normal microtubules, which are dynamic and can rapidly assemble and disassemble, these microtubules would have reduced dynamic properties.