Actin filaments have polarity. This means that the two ends can be identified due to structural differences. The plus end is the end to which subunits are added more rapidly or the end of polymerization. Which of the following would enable you to identify the plus end of actin filaments?
A) Determine the ionic charge of the ends of the actin filaments.
B) Add radiolabeled actin subunits to a mixture of actin filaments in which conditions favor depolymerization.
C) Add radio labeled actin subunits to a mixture of actin filaments in which conditions are favorable for polymerization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding radio labeled actin subunits to a mixture of actin filaments in which conditions are favorable for polymerization would enable us to identify the plus end of actin filaments. This is because subunits are added more rapidly at the plus end, resulting in a higher concentration of labeled subunits at the plus end compared to the minus end.

Actin Filaments Have Polarity