Beam finite-element model of a molecular motor for the simulation of active fibre networks.

ABSTRACT: Molecular motors are proteins that excessively increase the efficiency of subcellular transport processes. They allow for cell division, nutrient transport and even macroscopic muscle movement. In order to understand the effect of motors in large biopolymer networks, e.g. the cytoskeleton, we require a suitable model of a molecular motor. In this contribution, we present such a model based on a geometrically exact beam finite-element formulation. We discuss the numerical model of a non-processive motor such as myosin II, which interacts with actin filaments. Based on experimental data and inspired by the theoretical understanding offered by the power-stroke model and the swinging-cross-bridge model, we parametrize our numerical model in order to achieve the effect that a physiological moto

SUBMITTER: Muller KW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4786036 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature