Mechanics of the cell / David Boal.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Boal, David H.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cells--Mechanical properties.

Cells.

Physical biochemistry.

Cell Physiological Phenomena.

Medical Subjects:

Cell Physiological Phenomena.

Physical Description:

xiv, 406 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2002.

Summary:

A biological physics text for a multidisciplinary audience, exploring the architectural structure of the cell.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Introduction to the cell 1

1.1 Designs for a cell 3

1.2 Cell shapes, sizes and structures 8

1.3 Soft strings and sheets 14

Part I Rods and ropes 21

Chapter 2 Polymers 23

2.1 Filaments in the cell 23

2.2 Flexible rods 29

2.3 Sizes of polymer chains 35

2.4 Chain configurations and elasticity 40

2.5 Elasticity of cellular filaments 47

Chapter 3 Two-dimensional networks 59

3.1 Soft networks in the cell 59

3.2 Elastic moduli in two dimensions 63

3.3 Spring networks with six-fold coordination 71

3.4 Spring networks with four-fold coordination 77

3.5 Membrane-associated networks 82

Chapter 4 Three-dimensional networks 97

4.1 Networks of biological rods and ropes 97

4.2 Elastic moduli in three dimensions 102

4.3 Entropic networks 105

4.4 Semiflexible polymer solutions 112

4.5 Rheology of cytoskeletal components 118

Part II Membranes 135

Chapter 5 Biomembranes 137

5.1 Composition of biomembranes 137

5.2 Self-assembly of amphiphiles 143

5.3 Bilayer compression resistance 151

5.4 Bilayer bending resistance 156

5.5 Edge energy 160

Chapter 6 Membrane undulations 175

6.1 Thermal fluctuations in membrane shape 175

6.2 Surface curvature 178

6.3 Membrane bending and persistence length 183

6.4 Scaling of polymers and membranes 189

6.5 Measurement of membrane undulations 196

Part III The whole cell 209

Chapter 7 The simplest cells 211

7.1 Cell shapes 211

7.2 Energetics of thin shells 213

7.3 Pure bilayer systems 219

7.4 Vesicles and red blood cells 228

7.5 Simple bacteria 234

Chapter 8 Intermembrane forces 247

8.1 Interactions between membranes 247

8.2 Charged plate in an electrolyte 251

8.3 van der Waals and electrostatic interactions 259

8.4 Entropic repulsion of sheets and polymers 267

8.5 Adhesion 274

Chapter 9 Dynamic filaments 289

9.1 Movement in the cell 290

9.2 Polymerization of actin and tubulin 294

9.3 Molecular motors 303

9.4 Forces from filaments 309

Chapter 10 Mechanical designs 323

10.1 Tension and compression 324

10.2 The largest and smallest cells 332

Appendix A Animal cells and tissues 343

Appendix B The cell's molecular building blocks 349

Appendix C Elementary statistical mechanics 357

Appendix D Elasticity 365.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 387-399) and index.

ISBN:

0521792584

0521796814

OCLC:

46685371