Oscillations in molecular motor assemblies
Autonomous oscillations in biological systems may have a biochemical\norigin or result from an interplay between force-generating and visco-elastic\nelements. In molecular motor assemblies the force-generating elements are\nmolecular engines and the visco-elastic elements are stiff cytoskeletal polymers.\nThe physical mechanism leading to oscillations depends on the particular\narchitecture of the assembly. Existing models can be grouped into two distinct\ncategories: systems with a delayed force activation and anomalous force\u2013\nvelocity relations. We discuss these systems within phase plane analysis known\nfrom the theory of dynamic systems and by adopting methods from control\ntheory, the Nyquist stability criterion.