Question

In a 13-filament microtubule, the majority of lateral interactions are between like subunits, with alpha tubulin binding to alpha tubulin. Between the first the thirteenth protofilaments, there is a seam where alpha and beta tubulin interact. Are these heterotypic interactions likely to be stronger than, weaker than, or the same strength as homotypic interactions

Answer 1

Lateral interactions between protofilaments are in general homotypic. The heterotypic interactions are weaker because these interactions involve the mix of different protofilaments within the microtubule .

Step-by-step explanation:

Microtubules are cytoskeletal polymers that are formed by tubulin dimers in a head-to-tail arrangement (protofilaments).