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A quantitative model for flow-induced bioluminescence in dinoflagellates.
1Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0238, USA. gdeane@ucsd.edu
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|June 25, 2005
Summary
Bioluminescent dinoflagellates flash probabilistically when stimulated by fluid shear. A new "cell anxiety" parameter models this flashing behavior, accurately predicting experimental results in fluid flow.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Marine Biology
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Bioluminescent dinoflagellates exhibit light emission when mechanically stimulated.
- Understanding the cellular response to fluid shear is crucial for marine ecological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a probabilistic model for the flash response of bioluminescent dinoflagellates to fluid shear.
- To introduce and define a new biophysical parameter, 'cell anxiety', to quantify flashing probability.
Main Methods:
- Modeled individual cell flashing as a Poisson process.
- Introduced a novel parameter, 'cell anxiety', to represent flashing probability.
- Integrated the statistical model into fluid flow simulations (pipe flow, Couette chamber).
Main Results:
- The probabilistic model successfully captured the flash response dynamics.
- The 'cell anxiety' parameter effectively parameterized the flashing probability.
- The model showed favorable agreement with existing experimental data.
Conclusions:
- Fluid shear elicits a probabilistic flash response in dinoflagellates, quantifiable by 'cell anxiety'.
- The developed model provides a robust framework for studying dinoflagellate bioluminescence in dynamic fluid environments.
- This work offers insights into mechanosensory responses in marine microorganisms.