Abstract
When soluble earthworm cuticle collagen molecules are subjected to the shearing forces of a flow birefringence instrument, they are broken into particles approximately half the original size. The broken particles resemble vertebrate tropocollagen molecules in their hydrodynamic properties, in levorotatory powers, and in their appearance in the electron microscope. Most significantly, the broken earthworm particles form ordered aggregates similar to the segmented-long-spacing aggregations formed by vertebrate tropocollagen. These phenomena are explained by the suggestion that earthworm collagen molecules are dimers of tropocollagen-like particles. On this basis, an explanation is presented for the lack of striations in the gross collagen fibrils of earthworm cuticle.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
