Constructing Tools for the Description of Cell Dynamics

Abstract

We give a survey of the work which we and others have done over the last years on “active gels”. In particular, we show how one can construct a set of equations describing gels in which the cross-links can be moved around by active elements constantly consuming energy. This situation corresponds to the cell cytoskeleton, which is thought to control most of cell dynamics. We illustrate the potential usefulness of the equations, first by giving material science types of applications, second by discussing cell behavior such as motility, oscillations, wound healing and cytokinesis.