On Tuesday March 20, 2001 Jay Tang (then of Indiana University, now of Brown University) presented a talk entitled:

"Physics of Cell Mechanics and Motility"

as part of the Seminar Series

"What Physical Scientists Can Measure, What Biological Scientists Would Like to Measure."

Abstract:

Measurements of mechanical strength and elasticity are important factors in the study of cell shape and deformability. The dynamic and localized assembly and disassembly of protein filaments, in concert with specific actions of molecular motors, form the basis of cell movement. Actin, one of three major types of cytoskeletal proteins, displays amazing thermodynamic, mechanical, polyelectrolyte, as well as biochemical properties. Physical measurements of all these properties contribute to our overall understanding of the complex functions of cells.