Topological Puzzles in Cell Biology

CATEGORY
Theory Biophysics

TAGS
topological puzzles cell biology

Abstract

Recreational mathematics involves mathematical puzzles and games, often appealing to children and adults, inspiring their further study of the subject. Can a similar analogy be drawn in biology? Without making any claims of usefulness, we will explore a wide range of topological puzzles in cellular physiology: Can single cells be toroidal in nature? Can cytoskeletal geometry encode behavior in free living protists? Can "Klein bottles" help us understand a fungal pathogen? Do cells get stuck forever in topological traps?

• PUBLICATIONS

  • https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.19.504465
    

  • https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.230394012
    

  • https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.04.551915
    

  • https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2305.12572

BIG QUESTION

“What can we learn from topological puzzles found in biology?”

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Project status

Active

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