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Science 15 July 1994:
Vol. 265. no. 5170, pp. 402 - 404
DOI: 10.1126/science.265.5170.402
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Articles

Fibrous Mini-Collagens in Hydra Nematocysts

T. W. Holstein 1, M. Benoit 2, G. v. Herder 2, C. N. David 2, G. Wanner 3, and H. E. Gaub 4

1 Zoological Institute, J. W. Goethe Universität Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2 Zoological Institute, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 80333 München, Germany
3 Botanical Institute, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, 80638 München, Germany
4 Department of Physics, Technische Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany

Nematocysts (cnidocysts) are exocytotic organelles found in all cnidarians. Here, atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy reveal the structure of the nematocyst capsule wall. The outer wall consists of globular proteins of unknown function. The inner wall consists of bundles of collagen-like fibrils having a spacing of 50 to 100 nanometers and cross-striations at intervals of 32 nanometers. The fibrils consist of polymers of "mini-collagens," which are abundant in the nematocysts of Hydra. The distinct pattern of mini-collagen fibers in the inner wall can provide the tensile strength necessary to withstand the high osmotic pressure (15 megapascals) in the capsules.

Submitted on January 31, 1994
Accepted on May 23, 1994


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
The Glycoprotein NOWA and Minicollagens Are Part of a Disulfidelinked Polymer That Forms the Cnidarian Nematocyst Wall.
S. Ozbek, E. Pokidysheva, M. Schwager, T. Schulthess, N. Tariq, D. Barth, A. G. Milbradt, L. Moroder, J. Engel, and T. W. Holstein (2004)
J. Biol. Chem. 279, 52016-52023
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Structure/Function Relationships in the Minicollagen of Hydra Nematocysts.
S. Ozbek, O. Pertz, M. Schwager, A. Lustig, T. Holstein, and J. Engel (2002)
J. Biol. Chem. 277, 49200-49204
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Spinalin, a new glycine- and histidine-rich protein in spines of Hydra nematocysts.
A. Koch, T. Holstein, C Mala, E Kurz, J Engel, and C. David (1998)
J. Cell Sci. 111, 1545-1554
   Abstract »    PDF »


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