Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier
1166
Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Physics
Concentration
Materials Science
Committee Chair
Mohamed Laradji
Committee Member
Omar Skalli
Committee Member
Pradhan Prabhakar
Abstract
Blebbing, a transition in cellular structures that produces cytoskeleton free protrusions of membrane, is a simple process with many causes.Using coarse grained molecular dynamics methods and the erythrocyte model, we attempt to survey these parameters using experimental results as a guide.After establishing the model's validity, with regard to established membrane mechanics, a mismatch parameter, s, is used to tie together the modeling and methods to make predictions about experimental behavior.Expansions to the model, like the weak adhesion parameter, Uadh and an explicit solvent, show promise in solving deficiencies and gaps in understanding the blebbing and vesiculation problems.The expansions and membrane mechanics are tied together to create a more complete picture of the blebbing-vesiculation cycle that affects erythrocytes and many other cells.
Library Comment
Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.
Recommended Citation
Spangler, Eric John, "Computational Studies of Blebbing in Model Erytrocyte Membranes" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 978.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/978
Comments
Data is provided by the student.