Wave Propagation Along Flagella

1958/12/01 by K. E. Machin · 1 voice · 5 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Micro and Nano Robotics #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Mechanical and Optical Resonators

paper · doi:10.1242/jeb.35.4.796

openalex publication_date 1958/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/20

Abstract

ABSTRACT The nature of the mechanism which initiates and propagates transverse bending waves along the length of a flagellum has been the subject of discussion for many years. Two possible mechanisms have been advocated: (i) that the flagellum is a passive elastic filament set in motion by an active process located at its proximal end, the propagation of the wave along the filament being the result of its elastic properties; (ii) that actively contractile elements exist along the length of the flagellum. The latter view has received the greatest support, but no definite proof appears to have been established.

Cited by

• Brownian microhydrodynamics of active filaments
• Instability-induced patterning of a jelling jet
• Effect of curvature and normal forces on motor regulation of cilia
• The hydrodynamics and kinematics of the appendicularian tail underpin peristaltic pumping
• Nonlinear dynamics and fluctuations in biological systems (Habilitation thesis)

Discussions

• As we now know, #cilia beating requires the distributed action of #dynein motors along the filament... Amazingly, a mathematician predicted this doi.org/10.1242/jeb.... (1958) in @jexpbiol.bsky.socia [bsky, 1 points, 1 comments]

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