A study of the factors that regulate ciliary beating was conducted in an effort to better understand the dynamics of cilia and flagella. A model titled the Geometric Clutch Hypothesis (GCH) was first analyzed and then extended. The model used a constant force for the force exerted by dynein. After analyzing the original GCH, the model was then extended to incorporate the effects of a time-dependent varying dynein force as well as the effects of calcium (Ca2+). After proposing and implementing two ordinary differential equations for a varying dynein force, the results were analyzed and are presented in this report. Notable findings included simulations that produced life-like ciliary beating and simulations that were consistent with experimental data regarding the effects of Ca2+.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Gowing, Dana Michelle

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042213-162628

Advisor

• Olson, Sarah D

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mathematical Sciences

Rights statement

• In Copyright