Record

RefNoEC/2003/21
LevelItem
TitleIrving, Malcolm: certificate of election to the Royal Society
CitationMalcolm Irving has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of the mechanism of muscle contraction through the application of time-resolved X-ray and optical techniques to measure the motion of `crossbridges' in muscle. His work has significantly strengthened the validity of the sliding filament hypothesis first formulated in 1954 and the concept of crossbridges as independent force transducers. Following the studies of HE Huxley and RM Simmons, he has radically enhanced low-angle diffraction studies of muscle by improving time-resolution to 20 µs and by making the measurements on single fibres. This has enabled him to assign discrete structural changes to the elastic and force-development phases of mechanical transients identified by AF Huxley and Simmons. He has pioneered the use of optical probes in muscle fibres, particularly in relation to specific structural information about crossbridge movement. In his most recent studies two-point attachment of a fluorescent probe at defined sites in myosin identified from crystal structures has enabled him to measure real-time motion of force-generating crossbridges. This approach to analysing molecular motion has broad implications as a general method for defining protein conformational changes.
AccessStatusClosed
Add to My Items

    Collection highlights

    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

    The Royal Society

    The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of
    the world's most eminent scientists and is the
    oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
    Registered charity number 207043

    Website design ©CalmView



    CONTACT US

    + 44 207 451 2500
    (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00. Excludes bank holidays)

    6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

    Email Us →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the
    latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

    Subscribe →

    © CalmView