Dynamics of a microorganism moving by chemotaxis in its own secretion.
The Brownian dynamics of a single microorganism coupled by chemotaxis to a diffusing concentration field that is secreted by the microorganism itself is studied by computer simulations in spatial dimensions d=1,2,3 . Both cases of a chemoattractant and a chemorepellent are discussed. For a chemoattractant, we find a transient dynamical arrest until the microorganism diffuses for long times. For a chemorepellent, there is a transient ballistic motion in all dimensions and a long-time diffusion. These results are interpreted with the help of a theoretical analysis.
Sengupta
Ankush
A
Institut für Theoretische Physik II, Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
van Teeffelen
Sven
S
Löwen
Hartmut
H
D001419:Bacteria / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D002630:Chemotactic Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D002633:Chemotaxis; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004058:Diffusion; D005658:Fungi / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D017628:Microglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors
D002630:Chemotactic Factors