A Closer Look at the Molecule That Gives Skin Elasticity (3 of 3) (VIDEO)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Caption

Tropoelastin is a tiny elastic molecule, just 20 millionths of a meter. The authors reveal the shape and movements of this little molecule. Through these movements, tropoelastin assembles to make elastic fibers, tubes and sheets for tissue repair. Tropoelastin is used to make and fix many different elastic tissues in the body. This material relates to a paper that appeared in the Feb. 5, 2016, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, by G.C. Yeo at The University of Sydney in Sydney, NSW, Australia, and colleagues was titled, 'Subtle balance of tropoelastin molecular shape and flexibility regulates dynamics and hierarchical assembly.'

Credit

[Credit: Weiss Lab, University of Sydney]

Usage Restrictions

Please cite the owner of the material when publishing. This material may be freely used by reporters as part of news coverage, with proper attribution. Non-reporters must contact <i>Science</i> for permission.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.