Receptor clustering as a cellular mechanism to control sensitivity
Article Abstract:
Sensitivity to extracellular ligands in chemotactic bacteria rises with the extent of spread of activity through an array of receptors. However, the range of concentrations over which the array works is significantly reduced. The model proposed in this research requires that, when chemotactic receptors cluster on the cell surface, the activity of one receptor affects that of its neighbours. The cell must be capable of controlling either the aggregation itself or the extent to which the receptor activity can propagate if a combination of sensitivity and range of response is to be obtained.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Protein molecules as computational elements in living cells
Article Abstract:
Allosteric-mechanism linked proteins perform similar computational functions in unicellular organisms as neural nets in larger organisms, mainly transferring and processing information. However, these biochemical circuits, though sophisticated, are limited by the number of physical contacts between proteins because they function through diffusive processes and individual protein ability is controlled by kinetic parameters.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Reasoning for results
Article Abstract:
Issues are presented concerning the importance of formulating hypotheses in the study of biology. The accuracy and quality of the predictions which have been made by theoretical biologists not part of mainstream biological research are discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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