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Modelling fungal hypha tip growth via viscous sheet approximation
T G de Jong1, J Hulshof2, G Prokert3
1Media Analytics and Computing laboratory, School of Information Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|February 9, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a new model for fungal hypha tip growth, incorporating cell wall material transport, dynamics, and a novel age-related hardening mechanism. The model was validated against experimental data for accurate predictions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Hypha tip growth is fundamental in fungi, involving cell wall construction.
- Existing models often simplify the complex dynamics of cell wall formation and material transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, comprehensive model for single-celled, non-branching hypha tip growth.
- To integrate cell wall material transport, viscous sheet dynamics, and age-related hardening into a unified framework.
Main Methods:
- Modeled material transport using an isotropic point source assumption.
- Applied thin viscous sheet dynamics for cell wall growth, sustained by pressure differences.
- Introduced a new equation to simulate cell wall hardening over time.
Main Results:
- The developed model accurately simulates hypha tip growth.
- Incorporation of age-related hardening provides a more realistic representation of cell wall dynamics.
- Model validation against experimental data confirms its predictive capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The new model offers a more complete understanding of hypha tip growth mechanisms.
- It provides a valuable tool for studying fungal development and cell wall biology.
- The model's components can be adapted for other biological systems involving growth and material deposition.
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