Thermodynamic Aspects of Flagellar Activity

Abstract

1. The frequencies of the beat of cilia and flagella from various organisms have been determined at temperatures in the range 5-35°C. 2. Values of the activation enthalpy (ΔH{ddagger}, kcal./mole) and activation entropy (ΔS{ddagger}, e.u.) derived from the thermal dependence of frequency show a linear correlation of the form, ΔS{ddagger} = 3.25 ΔH{ddagger}-50.75. 3. The corresponding isokinetic activation free energy is 15.6 kcal./mole. 4. The results support a hypothesis that the breakdown of an ATP-ATPase complex could be the common rate-limiting reaction for flagellar activity. 5. Values of ΔH{ddagger} and ΔS{ddagger} for the decay of length or tension in striated muscles also fall on the same regression line but some smooth muscles show deviations.