Field-induced instabilities in two-component systems: the cell-free glycolytic system

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics

Background:

• Cell-free glycolytic systems exhibit complex oscillatory dynamics.
• Allosteric models are effective in describing biochemical oscillations.
• External fields can influence biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of weak static electric fields on glycolytic oscillations.
• To determine the conditions under which electric fields induce instability.
• To identify the field strength necessary for observable effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an allosteric model (Goldbeter and Lefever).
• Applied linear stability analysis.
• Performed order-of-magnitude calculations for field strength.

Main Results:

• The study confirmed that all conditions for electric field-induced instability are met.
• The electric field alters the stability of the glycolytic system.
• Dissipative structures can emerge due to the electric field.

Conclusions:

• Weak static electric fields can destabilize and modify the behavior of glycolytic systems.
• Observable effects require electric field strengths in the range of 10-100 V/cm.
• This suggests a potential mechanism for external field influence on biochemical oscillations.