ISSN:
0006-3525
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The correlation between mechanical and chemical Processes in the contractile system collagen fibers-aqueous KCNS sulutions was investigated. Melting and contraction of the fibers were induced by applying a force sufficiently high as to prevent melting in a KCNS solution and then decreasing it either suddenly, or continuously at a constant rate. The kinetics of both processes are characterized by an initial rapid elastic response of the crystalline collagen, followed by a stationary region. The force-velocity relationship in this region was found to be the same under different types of mechanical deformations. It is probable that under the prevailing conditions, the behavior in the stationary state is determined by the melting process and is not markedly influenced by diffusional changes. Part of the experimental data could be explained by assuming a linear, rigid model or, better, by taking into account the highly elastic properties of the amorphous collagen. The kinetic, unit seems to be composed of several hundred amino acid residues.
Additional Material:
10 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bip.1968.360060808
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