Elastic symmetry-breaking in synchronizing cells

ORAL

Abstract

Swimming microorganisms such as spermatozoa have been observed to synchronize their flagella when swimming in close proximity. We showed recently that this can arise passively in part due to an asymmetry in the flagellar waveforms of the cells. Using a simple two dimensional model we investigate here the role of fluid body interactions and flagella elasticity as a source of asymmetry, and whether or not flexibility is sufficient to induce synchronization.

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Authors

  • Gwynn Elfring

    University of California, San Diego

  • Eric Lauga

    University of California at San Diego, University of California San Diego, University of California, San Diego, UC San Diego, UCSD - MAE, UCSD