In the experiment illustrated in Figure Q8-1, five fluorescently labeled actin filaments on a myosin-coated glass slide were tracked over the course of 38 s, and their positions were tracked at successive short intervals as they appeared on a video monitor. Figure Q8-1 If you could make an ATP molecule that could not be hydrolyzed to ADP and performed the same experiment, what would happen to the fluorescent actin and why?
Answer
The actin would not move because ATP would not hydrolyze and the ADP-myosin complex cannot bind with actin. In addition, without hydrolysis of ATP there would be no net gain of energy needed for the power stroke.