Understanding the inner workings of cells based on their internal physics
Achieving microtubule alignment
The movement of motor proteins through the cell along microtubules is essential for protein transportation. I am not so much looking at the movement of motor proteins as I am how microtubules can align in the cell such as happens with mitotic spindle formation during cell reproduction. Many methods were tested including changing the concentration of magnesium ions in solution so as to neutralize negative charges along the microtubules allowing for alignment. Also, polymerization of tubulin into microtubules was attempted so as to neutralize alignment due to flowing liquids through the chamber.
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