Life Sciences Nanotheater

Actin Filaments

Three-dimensional rendering of a TappingMode AFM image of actin filaments (darker green "threads"). Actin is an important component of contractile myofibrils in skeletal muscle and the cytoskeleton of all animal cells. The excellent height sensitivity of AFM clearly resolves the 37 nm pitch of the 8nm wide actin helix, as well as filament cross-over points (pink). 2.5 µm scan.