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SUMMARY:The biophysical properties of microtubules and their technological
   potential - Prof. Jack Tuszynski\, Department of Physics\, University of
  Alberta\, Edmonton\, Canada
DTSTART:20081010T131500Z
DTEND:20081010T141500Z
UID:TALK13717@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Jurij Kotar
DESCRIPTION:Microtubules are cylindrical cytoskeletal organelles whose bui
 lding blocks \nare tubulin heterodimers. These protein polymers are ubiqui
 tous in \neukaryotic cells and play key roles in structural integrity\, tr
 ansport\, \nmotility\, as well as division and differentiation phenomena. 
 There are \nnumerous isoforms of tubulin and their subtle differences in s
 equence and \ntertiary structure result in significantly different dynamic
 al\, biochemical \nand biophysical properties. In this talk\, I will give 
 an overview of the key \nbiophysical and biochemical properties of tubulin
  and microtubules including \ntheir mechanics\, polymerization kinetics\, 
 ligand binding and electrical \neffects. I will conclude by discussing som
 e ideas regarding their yet-\nuntapped potential as biotechnological devic
 es.
LOCATION:Small Lecture Theatre\, Cavendish Laboratory
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