The force induced by organelles’ weight in the microfilament is in the range of 0.1–1 pN
2008
Abstract It has been well documented that a microgravity environment can bring about many changes in cell metabolism. Can mammalian cells feel the gravity directly? At present, arguments surrounding the problem are difficult to be answered through experiments. However, using finite element simulation to estimate the force exerted on the microfilament meshwork model, we demonstrated a possible way through which gravity acts on the cytoskeleton system. This system, which includes microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, is responsible for the retention of cell shape and plays a role in many aspects related to cell proliferation and function. Many organelles, such as ribosomes and nucleus, are deposited, hinged, or attached on the cytoskeleton system. The weight of organelles can deform the cytoskeleton system and can induce force in it. Simulation results showed that the force induced by organelles’ weight in the microfilament is in the range of 0.1–1 pN. The magnitude of the force is near the single Van der Waals bond force between the proteins, which is large enough to influence the hinge motion of proteins.
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