Biomaterial Database

Surface tension gradients: feasible model for gliding motility of Myxococcus xanthus. 1983

K H Keller, and M Grady, and M Dworkin

We propose that surface tension is the driving force for the gliding motility of Myxococcus xanthus. Our model requires that the cell be able to excrete surfactant in a polar and reversible fashion. We present calculations that (i) estimate the surface tension difference across a cell necessary to move the cell at the observed rate, which is less than 10(-5) dyn/cm, an extremely small value; (ii) estimate the rate of surfactant excretion necessary to produce the required surface tension difference, a rate that we conclude to be metabolically reasonable; (iii) predict the behavior of cells moving in close apposition to each other, and show that the model is consistent with observed behavior; and (iv) predict the behavior of cells moving in dense swarms. In an accompanying paper we present experimental evidence to support the surface tension model.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008433	Mathematics	The deductive study of shape, quantity, and dependence. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Mathematic
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009068	Movement	The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior.	Movements
D009231	Myxococcales	An order of rod-shaped, gram-negative fruiting gliding bacteria found in SOIL; WATER; and HUMUS.	Myxobacterales,Myxobacteria,Polyangiaceae,Polyangium,Slime Bacteria
D013500	Surface Tension	The force acting on the surface of a liquid, tending to minimize the area of the surface. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Interfacial Force,Interfacial Tension,Surface Tensions,Tension, Surface,Tensions, Surface
D013501	Surface-Active Agents	Agents that modify interfacial tension of water; usually substances that have one lipophilic and one hydrophilic group in the molecule; includes soaps, detergents, emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and several groups of antiseptics.	Surface Active Agent,Surface-Active Agent,Surfactant,Surfactants,Tenside,Amphiphilic Agents,Surface Active Agents,Tensides,Active Agent, Surface,Active Agents, Surface,Agent, Surface Active,Agent, Surface-Active,Agents, Amphiphilic,Agents, Surface Active,Agents, Surface-Active