MODELING MICROTUBULE OSCILLATIONS

Synchronization of molecular reactions in a macroscopic volume may cau se the volume's physical properties to change dynamically and thus rev eal much about the reactions. As an example, experimental time series for so-called microtubule oscillations are analyzed in terms of a mini mal model for this complex polymerization-depolymerization cycle. The model reproduces well the qualitatively different time series that res ult from different experimental conditions, and illuminates the role a nd importance of individual processes in the cycle. Simple experiments are suggested that can further test and define the model and the poly mer's reaction cycle.