ELASTICITY OF SEMIFLEXIBLE BIOPOLYMER NETWORKS

We develop a model for cross-linked gels and sterically entangled solu tions of semiflexible biopolymers such as F-actin. Such networks play a crucial structural role in the cytoskeleton of cells. We show that t he theologic properties of these networks can result from nonclassical rubber elasticity. This model can explain a number of elastic propert ies of such networks in vitro, including the concentration dependence of the storage modulus and yield strain.