Open AccessA general one-dimensional traffic model for motion of molecular motors on microtubules of variable length
Author(s) -
Eric M. Aldrich,
Brian D. Reed,
Laurenţiu Stoleriu,
Dan Mazilu,
Irina Mazilu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of physics. conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1742-6596
pISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/2090/1/012024
Subject(s) - molecular motor , monte carlo method , range (aeronautics) , particle (ecology) , statistical physics , variable (mathematics) , physics , microtubule , motion (physics) , instability , classical mechanics , mechanics , nanotechnology , materials science , engineering , aerospace engineering , mathematics , geology , biology , mathematical analysis , statistics , oceanography , microbiology and biotechnology
We present a traffic model inspired by the motion of molecular motors along microtubules, represented by particles moving along a one-dimensional track of variable length. As the particles move unidirectionally along the track, several processes can occur: particles already on the track can move to the next open site, additional particles can attach at unoccupied sites, or particles on the track can detach. We study the model using mean-field theory and Monte Carlo simulations, with a focus on the steady-state properties and the time evolution of the particle density and particle currents. For a specific range of parameters, the model captures the microtubule instability observed experimentally and reported in the literature. This model is versatile and can be modified to represent traffic in a variety of biological systems.