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Reverse engineering the motility of euglena cells : shape transformations and the interaction with the environment
Euglenids are unicellular aquatic organisms capable of moving either by beating a flagellum or by executing dramatic and harmonious shape changes, whose function still remains unclear. These shape changes are accomplished thanks to a complex structure underlying the plasma membrane, made of interlocking proteinaceous strips, microtubules, and motor proteins. Based on simple observations of euglena under the microscope, I will describe the mechanisms by which the sliding of pellicle strips leads to shape control. Then, I will describe models to understand how these shape deformations lead to cell locomotion.
