Theory of Myelin Coiling

Details Theory of Myelin Coiling Theory of Myelin Coiling

2005-11-08

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0511205v2

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

17 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Eur. Phys. J. E

Scientific paper

10.1140/epje/i2005-10054-2

A new model is proposed to explain coiling of myelins composed of fluid bilayers. This model allows the constituent bilayer cylinders of a myelin to be non-coaxial and the bilayer lateral tension to vary from bilayer to bilayer. The calculations show that a myelin would bend or coil to lower its free energy when the bilayer lateral tension is sufficiently large. From a mechanical point of view, the proposed coiling mechanism is analogous to the classical Euler buckling of a thin elastic rod under axial compression. The analysis of a simple two-bilayer case suggests that a bilayer lateral tension of about 1 dyne/cm can easily induce coiling of myelins of typical lipid bilayers. This model signifies the importance of bilayer lateral tension in determining the morphology of myelinic structures.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Theory of Myelin Coiling does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Theory of Myelin Coiling, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Theory of Myelin Coiling will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-294567