A dynamical model of cell division (Q4377777)

The concept of the continuum has proven versatile for quantitative understanding and analysis in many fields of physical science. For the analysis of amoeboid motility and cytoskeletal dynamics, however, application of continuum mechanics is controversial. Partially this has been because it is difficult to construct experimental systems that behave in a reproducible fashion and that are amenable to quantitative biophysical study. A further problem has been that algorithms for solving realistic continuum theories of the cytoskeleton have been inadequate to the task of making definitive contact with experiment. Nevertheless, in this report we have shown that a large amount of information on the first cytokinetic cleavage of the echinoderm egg can be successfully integrated and analysed using a theory based solidly on the classical language of interacting fields. While this is only a special case, cytokinesis is a ubiquitous and necessary cellular activity. We are therefore encouraged to believe that similar analysis will improve understanding of other instances of amoeboid motion. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0877.00017].