Question

Usually, optical tweezers drag integral proteins a limited distance before they encounter a barrier that causes their release; upon release, they typically spring backward. What does this suggest?

a) the presence of solid barriers
b) the presence of elastic barriers
c) the attachment of the proteins to the cytoskeleton
d) the attachment of the proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum
e) the presence of rubber in the membrane

Answer 1

The recoil behavior of integral proteins in response to optical tweezers suggests they are connected to an elastic component, likely the cytoskeleton, that provides a restoring force.

Step-by-step explanation:

The response of integral proteins to optical tweezers that results in an apparent spring-back behavior upon release suggests c) the attachment of the proteins to the cytoskeleton. When these proteins are dragged, they eventually encounter a resistance and, upon release, recoil, indicating a connection to elastic, structural elements within the cell which provide a restoring force.

This is consistent with the physical constraints and behaviors of cellular components as described by the principles of force balance, where the cytoskeleton provides a network of tension and elasticity, allowing the cell to maintain shape and structure against various forces.