Nonlinear Waves as Signals in Microtubules

Abstract

Modern models predict phenomena of nonlinear elastic waves propagation within cellular microtubules. But little is known about their interaction with near environment such as ionic shell in solution. In present paper a model of localized nonlinear electro-acoustic wave excitation is proposed and kink solution is obtained. The kink transfers internal bending of tubulin dimers with synchronous electric current of condensed counterions along microtubule. Suggested mechanism of active wave propagation relies on energy supply by GTP hydrolysis.