Towards a physical understanding of spatial organization in cells.

Abstract

In order to survive, cells need to organize their functions tightly in space and time. A prime example is the mitotic spindle, which segregates chromosomes between the daughter cells during cell division. To achieve this, the spindle first needs to assemble at the right time, then it needs to move to the center of the cell, finally it needs to transport the correct chromosome to the correct location - such that after cell division both daughter cells end up with a complete copy of the genetic information. Using this example, I will introduce some key concepts of how cellular processes are coordinated in space and time, and illustrate how we seek to better understand these mechanisms using the methods of theoretical and numerical physics.

Sebastian Fürthauer

Principal Investigator, WWTF VRG Young Investigator

Researching the Physics of life.