Mechano-electrical vibrations of microtubules--link to subcellular morphology

Biosystems. 2012 Sep;109(3):346-55. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2012.04.009. Epub 2012 May 1.

Abstract

Spontaneous mechanical oscillations were predicted and experimentally proven on almost every level of cellular structure. Besides morphogenetic potential of oscillatory mechanical force, oscillations may drive vibrations of electrically polar structures or these structures themselves may oscillate on their own natural frequencies. Vibrations of electric charge will generate oscillating electric field, role of which in morphogenesis is discussed in this paper. This idea is demonstrated in silico on the conformation of two growing microtubules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cells / cytology*
  • Cellular Structures / physiology*
  • Cellular Structures / ultrastructure
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Microtubules / physiology*
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Morphogenesis / physiology*
  • Vibration*