Semiflexible Biopolymers in Bundled Arrangements

Abstract

Bundles and networks of semiflexible biopolymers are key elements in cells, lending them mechanical integrity while also enabling dynamic functions. Networks have been the subject of many studies, revealing a variety of fundamental characteristics often determined via bulk measurements. Although bundles are equally important in biological systems, they have garnered much less scientific attention since they have to be probed on the mesoscopic scale. Here, we review theoretical as well as experimental approaches, which mainly employ the naturally occurring biopolymer actin, to highlight the principles behind these structures on the single bundle level.

Keywords

• semiflexible polymers
• bundles
• worm-like bundle
• dynamics
• actin
• microtubules
• depletion forces
• counterion condensation
• crosslinkers