Continuum descriptions of cytoskeletal dynamics

Continuum descriptions of cytoskeletal dynamics

This tutorial presents an introduction into continuum descriptions of cytoskeletal dynamics. In contrast to discrete models in which each molecule keeps its identity, such descriptions are given in terms of averaged quantities per unit volume like the number density of a certain molecule. Starting with a discrete description for the assembly dynamics of cytoskeletal filaments, we derive the con...

Continuum Descriptions of Crystal Surface Evolution

It is well known that liquid surfaces evolve in shape due to the effect of surface tension, which drives configurations towards lower energy. The breakup of an initially cylindrical fluid thread into spherical droplets, first quantified experimentally by Plateau and analyzed by Rayleigh, is a popular and illustrative example. Solid surfaces, in particular surfaces of crystals, also evolve accor...

Discrete and continuum descriptions of matter

Cytoskeletal dynamics and spermatogenesis.

Different cellular events occur during spermatogenesis, and these include (i) mitosis for self-renewal of spermatogonia, (ii) differentiation of type A spermatogonia into type B and commitment of type B spermatogonia to develop into preleptotene primary spermatocytes, (iii) transit of preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes across the blood-testis barrier in coordination with germ cell cycle progr...

Cytoskeletal dynamics of human erythrocyte.

The human erythrocyte (red blood cell, RBC) demonstrates extraordinary ability to undergo reversible large deformation and fluidity. Such mechanical response cannot be consistently rationalized on the basis of fixed connectivity of the cell cytoskeleton that comprises the spectrin molecular network tethered to phospholipid membrane. Active topological remodeling of spectrin network has been pos...