Question

Why do tubulin in the microtubule bind using GTP instead of ATP

Why do tubulin in the microtubule bind using GTP instead of ATP

Homework Answers

Answer #1

GTP gives a conformational changes to the tubulin molecule that are important in bringing polymerization of the tubulin molecule forming micrtubules. This conformation changes bring further polymerization of the microtubules.

Beta tubulin functions as the GTPase enzyme. Because of this GTP gets hydrolyzed once gets attached to tubulin.

GTP hydrolysis brings conformational changes in tubulin. This starts the dynamic behaviour of the tubulin with rapid polymerization occurring.

So the conformational changes are important in polymerization of the tubulin to form microtubules. GTP can bring such changes in the molecule of tubulin. Tubulins have GTP/GDP binding sites in its molecule. That is why it binds to GTP and not to ATP.

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