Understanding the Physics of Gliding Motility in Cyanobacteria

Understanding the Physics of Gliding Motility in Cyanobacteria

Physics

Adrian Judge

2024

Dr. Orkun Soyer

Cyanobacteria exhibit gliding motility, a unique form of self-propulsion with ecological implications, particularly within microbial communities subjected to fluctuating environmental conditions. Aggregates of cyanobacterial filaments engage in collective motility, with their dynamics modulated by environmental cues such as light exposure and oxidative stress. Building on established frameworks, notably those involving Fluctiforma draycotensis under stress conditions [1], this study examines the aggregation and motility dynamics within cyanobacterial aggregates, incorporating methodological adaptations to elucidate underlying physical mechanisms at both individual and aggregate scales.

physics, gliding, motility, movement, cyanobacteria, bacteria, microorganisms, stimuli, light, dark, image processing, time-lapse, filaments, aggregates, aggregation, imaging, motility dynamics