minus end of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minus end of" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in specific contexts, such as mathematical or technical discussions, but clarity is essential. Example: "To find the total length, subtract the minus end of the segment from the total length."

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Dyneins are highly complex molecular motors that transport their attached cargo towards the minus end of microtubules.

Journal of Structural Biology

By engineering variants of dynein with altered stalk angles, the researchers uncover why all dyneins move toward only the minus end of a microtubule during cytoskeletal movement.

University of California, Berkeley

Cytoplasmic dynein, a member of the AAA ATPases Associatedd with diverse cellular Activities) family of proteins, drives the processive movement of numerous intracellular cargos towards the minus end of microtubules.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

Hydrolysis of ATP, the energy source, causes thin dynein arms to take steps towards the minus end of the neighbouring doublet5, generating a sliding force that can slide doublets apart if crosslinks are removed6.

Nature

The kinesin motor proteins translocate toward either the plus or minus end of microtubules (MTs).

Duke University

The rest sense that we are stuck on the minus end of some great financial formula, but given the complexity and size of Big Finance, it's hard to pin down exactly why it happens and how it all adds up.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Microtubules have polarity; directed transport requires motors to move cargos toward the plus- or minus-end of the microtubules.

Plosone

γ-tubulin directly interacts with γ-tubulin at the minus-end of microtubules and promotes de novo assembly of microtubules from tubulin subunits.

Plosone

In most animal cells and also some algae and protists, mitochondrial movement is mainly dependent on microtubules [4], [9] [11], and mediated by molecular motor proteins such as kinesins and dyneins that move the cargo toward the plus-end or minus-end of microtubules, respectively [12].

Plosone

Kinesins in the C-terminal subfamily translocate toward the minus-end of MTs [ 45].

BMC Genomics

Dyneins move cargo centripetally towards the minus-end of microtubules, i.e. towards the microtubule organising centre near the nucleus.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing molecular motors, clearly specify whether you are referring to the "minus end of" microtubules or actin filaments to avoid ambiguity, as different motors move towards different ends on each type of filament.

Common error

Avoid using "minus end of" without specifying which filament system (microtubules or actin) is being referenced. Myosin VI moves toward the "minus end of" actin filaments, while dynein moves toward the "minus end of" microtubules; failing to distinguish them can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minus end of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns related to cellular structures. It specifies the directionality of movement of motor proteins along filaments. As shown in Ludwig, it consistently describes the end of microtubules or actin filaments towards which certain proteins move.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minus end of" is a prepositional phrase predominantly used in scientific literature to describe the specific end of microtubules or actin filaments. Motor proteins like dynein move towards the "minus end of" microtubules, facilitating intracellular transport. While grammatically acceptable, as noted by Ludwig, it’s crucial to specify which filament system is being referenced to prevent ambiguity. Common alternatives include "negative end of", but "minus end of" remains the standard in scientific discussions. Ludwig's examples highlight its consistent usage in defining directionality and location within cellular contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative end of

Replaces "minus" with its synonym "negative", maintaining the same meaning.

pointed end of

Refers to the same structural feature but uses a different descriptive term commonly used in the context of actin filaments.

trailing end of

Describes the end that follows or lags behind, implying directionality.

proximal end of

Indicates the end that is closer to a point of reference or origin.

base of

Denotes the foundational or anchoring part of a structure, which can sometimes coincide with the minus end in specific contexts.

anchored end of

Specifies that this end is fixed or attached, highlighting its role in stabilization.

cell center side of

Clarifies the location of the end within a cell, especially in transport processes.

MTOC-associated end of

Identifies the end connected to the Microtubule Organizing Center.

retrograde direction on

Focuses on the direction of movement towards the end, rather than the end itself.

inward-facing end of

Describes the orientation of the end relative to a cell or structure.

FAQs

How is the "minus end of" a microtubule different from the plus end?

Microtubules have polarity, with a plus end and a "minus end of". The plus end is where tubulin subunits are preferentially added, allowing for faster growth, while the "minus end of" is typically anchored at the microtubule organizing center (MTOC).

Which motor proteins move towards the "minus end of" microtubules?

Dyneins are the primary motor proteins that transport cargo towards the "minus end of" microtubules. They are essential for various cellular processes, including vesicle transport and cell division.

What does it mean when a protein is described as "minus end"-directed?

A protein described as "minus end"-directed, such as dynein, means that it moves along a microtubule towards its "minus end of", typically towards the cell center or microtubule organizing center.

Is there an alternative term for "minus end of" in cell biology?

While "minus end of" is common, "negative end of" can be used as a synonym. It's essential to maintain consistent terminology within a given context to avoid confusion.