[Mathematical model of protoplasm flow in a viscous-elastic active strand of a myxomycete plasmodium]

A mathematical model is plotted of protoplasmic flow in long strands of Myxomycete plasmodium. An analytical relationship was obtained between the characteristics of protoplasmic flow: amplitude and contour of velocity in the strand channel with the amplitude and wave length of pressure developed by contractile filaments of the strand cortical layer. The model permitted a comparison to be made between the experimental data of protoplasmic flow obtained by optical methods and the evidence on contractile apparatus obtained by tensiometric measurements. A conclusion is drawn on the consistency of the basic hypothesis concerning an autowave pattern of the motive force of the cortical layer filaments.