Dr. Alexander Muratov

Kinetic orientation and organization of cortical microtubules in plant cells

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  • Interests: Biophysics (theory)
  • Education: Moscow State University, Physics Department, Moscow, Russia (2009 with honors)
  • Supervisor: Vladimir Baulin
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    Alexander Muratov

    Cortical microtubules in plants are rigid rod-like biopolymers attached by their ends to the cell wall. Microtubules organize in a two dimensional structure forming part of the cytoskeleton. Each individual microtubule is a highly dynamic self-assembled rod, which is permanently growing or shrinking. A key property which allows for such dynamic behavior of microtubules is the dynamic instability. Periods of constant growth from one end are interrupted by rapid depolymerization, which in turn, changes to constant growth.

    Related publications

    • Degradation versus self-assembly of block copolymer micelles

      A. Muratov and V. A. Baulin Langmuir, 28, 3071-3076 (2012) The stability of micelles self-assembled from block co-polymers can be altered by the degradation of the blocks. Slow degradation shifts the equilibrium size distribution of block co-polymer micelles and changes their properties. The quasi-equilibrium scaling theory shows that the degradation of hydrophobic ...

    • Mechanism of dynamic reorientation of cortical microtubules due to mechanical stress

      Biophysical Chemistry, (2015) 207, 82–89 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2015.09.004 Alexander Muratov and Vladimir A. Baulin Directional growth caused by gravitropism and corresponding bending of plant cells has been explored since 19th century, however, many aspects of mechanisms underlying the perception of gravity at the molecular level are still not well known. Perception of gravity in root and shoot gravitropisms ...

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