Figure 6.

Models for tip-link structure. (Left) Model indicating buckling forces during tip-link compression. At the buckling force F, the force pushing the upper insertion point parallel to the membrane is Fm = F cos(α), where α is the angle formed by the tip link and the stereocilium (≈30°). (Right) Model for tip-link structure demonstrating responses to tip-link extension; note tenting of membrane and extended putative elastic filaments located between the membrane and the osmiophilic tip density.