Session Y38: Focus Session: Non-Equilibrium Insights into Single Molecules and Cell Function II
8:00 AM–10:48 AM, Friday, March 25, 2011
Room: A130/131
Sponsoring Units:
DCP DBP
Chair: Aaron Dinner, University of Chicago
Abstract ID: BAPS.2011.MAR.Y38.8
Abstract: Y38.00008 : Swimming Response of Individual Paramecia to Variable Forces
10:36 AM–10:48 AM
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Abstract
Authors:
Ilyong Jung
(Brown University)
Michael Wagman
(Brown University)
James M. Valles, Jr.
(Brown University)
Experiments demonstrate that swimming paramecia exhibit a negative force-kinetic response. In particular, upward swimming paramecia exert a stronger propulsive force as they fight their tendency to sediment. This response is remarkable because it suggests that paramecia can sense forces as small as their apparent weight, which is less than 100 pN. We are investigating the origins of this response by applying variable magnetic forces to individual swimming paramecia and measuring how their swimming trajectories change. We conduct the experiments at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory where it is possible to achieve forces sufficient to stall the swimmers. We will present our latest data on how paramecia adjust the geometry of their helical trajectories under varying forces.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2011.MAR.Y38.8