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Three-dimensional model of purple membrane obtained by electron microscopy

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Abstract

A 7-Å resolution map of the purple membrane has been obtained by electron microscopy of tilted, unstained specimens. The protein in the membrane contains seven, closely packed, α-helical segments which extend roughly perpendicular to the plane of the membrane for most of its width. Lipid bilayer regions fill the spaces between the protein molecules.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Laboratory of Molecular biology, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QH, UK

    R. Henderson & P. N. T. Unwin

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  1. R. Henderson
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  2. P. N. T. Unwin
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Henderson, R., Unwin, P. Three-dimensional model of purple membrane obtained by electron microscopy. Nature 257, 28–32 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257028a0

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