Mathematical modeling of cell division
Cells are the basic unit of life. All life on earth depends on cells' ability to duplicate themselves. In order to divide successfully, cells must solve fascinating mathematics and physics problems, which this talk will introduce assuming no biology background. A key step in cell division is ensuring that each of the daughter cells inherits a single copy of the genetic material. In eukaryotes, a self-organized machine called the mitotic spindle exerts forces that physically move the chromosomes. This cellular machine is composed of microtubules, molecular motors, and associated molecules. We are using modeling simulation, and experiment to address fundamental questions related to mitosis, including how the mitotic spindle structure self assembles and achieves the correct size, how the spindle organizes and moves chromosomes, and how these same components outside of cells can create nonequilibrium materials that exhibit new properties. This talk will highlight potential areas of collaboration with applied math.