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Shear Deformation Dissipates Energy in Biofilaments
Ameneh Maghsoodi1, Noel Perkins2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Scientific Reports
|August 5, 2018
Summary
A new model reveals that shear deformation significantly impacts energy dissipation in fluctuating biofilaments, affecting both internal friction and external drag. This finding is crucial for understanding chromosome and microtubule dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Thermally fluctuating biofilaments exhibit energy losses due to internal and external friction.
- Existing models primarily focus on bending-induced energy dissipation, neglecting shear effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel energy dissipation model incorporating both shear and bending effects.
- To analyze the role of shear-induced friction in biofilament dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new theoretical model for energy dissipation in biofilaments.
- Incorporated dynamic shear and bending into the model.
- Applied the model to experimental data for chromosomes and microtubules.
Main Results:
- Shear-induced friction is significant for shorter filaments and wavelengths.
- The new model predicts coupled shear-bending energy relaxation on two time scales.
- Experimental data for chromosomes and microtubules align with the two-time-scale relaxation.
Conclusions:
- Shear deformation is a critical factor in biofilament energy dissipation.
- The enhanced model provides more accurate energy dissipation estimates.
- This work advances the understanding of fluctuating biofilament mechanics.
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