Clustering and Optimal Arrangement of Enzymes in Reaction-Diffusion Systems

Enzymes associated with a specific biochemical pathway are often co-localized into large "molecular factories". However, despite its ubiquity the functional consequences of clustering enzymes together in this way remain poorly understood. We have studied the impact of different spatial distributions of enzymes on the flux of a reaction pathway, finding that in different parameter regimes a clustered or distributed enzyme distribution may be preferable. more

Long-range Ordering of Vibrated Disks

The emergence of collective motion in fish schools and bird flocks constitutes a ubiquitous and fascinating phenomenon in nature. One reason might be the emergence of highly dynamic, coherently moving spatial patterns such as clusters, swirls or waves, and the fact that the patterns commonly extend over length scales much larger than the size of the individuals. more