Regensburg 2013 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 24: Posters: Physics of Cells

BP 24.4: Poster

Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 17:30–19:30, Poster C

Investigation of the protoplasmic flow in veins of Physarum polycephalum — Sebastian Weise and •Marcus J. B. Hauser — Abteilung Biophysik, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany

The plasmodium of the Physarum polycephalum forms a characteristic, extended vascular network, which is used to transport the protoplasm through the giant cell. The transport is driven by peristaltic pumping and it reverses its direction periodically. The flow in the veins of P. polycephalum is always laminar, however, it is known that protoplasmic particles are effectively and rapidly distributed within the cell. To elucidate how an effective transport can be achieved in a system with laminar flow, we performed particle tracking velocimetry experiments. The flow of inserted particles is analyzed, and the role of vascular ramifications is addressed.