Active-like dynamics of worm-like chains driven by an external traveling-wave force

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Theoretical Mechanics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Eukaryotic flagella and cilia generate motion through complex beating patterns.
• Molecular motors generate active forces within axonemes, driving these movements.
• Understanding the mechanics of flagellar propulsion is crucial for cell motility research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified theory for semiflexible flagella under traveling-wave perturbation.
• To investigate the interplay between external forces and intrinsic filament rigidity.
• To identify key parameters governing flagellar waveform selection and dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Modeling the flagellum as a worm-like chain (WLC).
• Applying traveling-wave perturbations to emulate molecular motor activity.
• Systematic analysis of the WLC's response to perturbations to study conformational selection.

Main Results:

• The study explores the competition between applied perturbations and the flagellum's inherent bending stiffness.
• Identified how this interplay can lead to specific conformations and spatiotemporal beating dynamics.
• Key parameters influencing mechanical waveform profiles were investigated.

Conclusions:

• The WLC model provides insights into flagellar beating mechanisms.
• This framework helps explain how external forces can select conformations for motility.
• The findings are relevant to understanding sperm tails, cilia, and eukaryotic flagella.