Brownian Motion in Cellular Receptors

Abstract

Brownian Motion in Cellular Receptors Ouri Maler In microbiology, chemical receptors on cellular membranes play a key role in a number of important reactions, defining when cells perform given roles and switch behaviors. These receptors are not static; their movements across the cellular membrane have been noted for their similarity to random Brownian motion. At the same time, some of these receptors only fire when clustered. We wish to establish a mathematical model for this phenomenon and check the model's validity by comparing its results to experimental data. In part 1, we will be taking a closer look at the phenomenon being studied. In part 2, we will examine the proposed mathematical model, involving a combination of Brownian motion and asymmetrical obstacles. In part 3, we will explain in greater detail the goals we are striving toward with this project. In part 4, we will present the programs and methods used to simulate the model and analyze the resulting data. In part 5, we will look at our results to date. Finally, in part 6, we will explain our preliminary conclusions and our outlook from here on out.