Cell Spreading and Cell Movement: an Active or a Passive Process?

摘要: THE mechanism of amoeboid movement in general, and more specifically that tissue cells such as fibroblasts, is controversial unknown. Most theories state cell involves active changes shape, brought about by forces generated metabolic energy, pseudopod formation withdrawal, but there no agreement the site nature involved1. In marked contrast to theories, recent theory put forward Carter2 for suggests motility essentially a passive phenomenon wherein net are asymmetric surface tension type at interfaces between cell, substratum surrounding medium. To test this simple series experiments has been carried out on effect temperature spreading rounding up cells. cells, when freed from contact with other or solid maintained suspension, become less rounded3,4. When they allowed settle tend flatten it; question whether cellular processes it due Carter suggests. If were caused spreading, ought not be significantly affected lowered temperature, which does, however, considerably reduce movement.