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Rheological properties of the extensible intersegmental membrane of the adult female locust

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Abstract

The intersegmental membrane of the mature female locust displays remarkable long range elasticity (it can stretch elastically up to a strain of 15) and a remarkably low modulus. It also has a large viscous component. These properties are probably due to the protein fraction. Rheological tests suggest that the basis of the elasticity of the membrane is not a rubbery one, but a close-packed system of loosely bonded chains in a moderately specific conformation. Such a basis of elasticity may hold for other low-modulus proteins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, The University, Earley Gate, Reading, UK

    J. F. V. Vincent

  2. National Institute for Research in Dairying, Shinfield, Reading, UK

    J. H. Prentice

Authors
  1. J. F. V. Vincent
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  2. J. H. Prentice
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Vincent, J.F.V., Prentice, J.H. Rheological properties of the extensible intersegmental membrane of the adult female locust. J Mater Sci 8, 624–630 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561217

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561217

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