Cells and gels: implications for mechanics

Gerald H. Pollack

doi:10.1117/12.621677

12 April 2005 Cells and gels: implications for mechanics (Keynote address)

Gerald H. Pollack

Proceedings Volume 5852, Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621677
Event: Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics, 2004, -, Singapore

Abstract

That the cell is a gel has been well established. If so, then a logical approach to the understanding of cell function may be through an understanding of gel function. Great strides have been made recently in understanding the principles of gel dynamics. It has become clear that a central mechanism in biology is the polymer-gel phase-transition: a major structural change prompted by a subtle change of environment. Phase-transitions are capable of doing mechanical work, and such mechanisms could be responsible for much of the mechanical work of the cell. Here, we consider this approach. We set up a polymer-gel-based foundation for cell function, and explore the extent to which this foundation explains how the cell goes about its business, with an eye toward mechanics.

Citation Download Citation

Gerald H. Pollack "Cells and gels: implications for mechanics (Keynote address)", Proc. SPIE 5852, Third International Conference on Experimental Mechanics and Third Conference of the Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics, (12 April 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621677

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