Cytoplasmic diffusion: molecular motors mix it up

C. P. Brangwynne, G.H. Koenderink, F.C. Mac Kintosh, D. A. Weitz

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Random motion within the cytoplasm gives rise to molecular diffusion; this motion is essential to many biological processes. However, in addition to thermal Brownian motion, the cytoplasm also undergoes constant agitation caused by the activity of molecular motors and other nonequilibrium cellular processes. Here, we discuss recent work that suggests this activity can give rise to cytoplasmic motion that has the appearance of diffusion but is significantly enhanced in its magnitude and which can play an important biological role, particularly in cytoskeletal assembly. © 2008.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)583-587
    Number of pages5
    JournalJournal of Cell Biology
    Volume183
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 10 Nov 2008

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    Cytoplasmic diffusion: molecular motors mix it up

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