A side-by-side comparison of, a remarkable ciliate with its “neck” extended and retracted. Researchers discovered origami-like folds make this morphing possible where microtubules define folding pleats. Credit: Prakash Labcan extend its neck up to 30 times its length through an origami-like cellular architecture. This ability is facilitated by a folded cell membrane, offering insights potentially useful in robotics and materials science.
This geometry enables the rapid hyperextensibility of the neck-like protrusion, for single-celled predatorL. olor ’s extreme shape-shifting ability but also hold potential for inspiring innovations in soft-matter engineering or the design of robotic systems.Single-celled protists are well known for their ability to perform dynamic morphological changes in real-time, including large transformations in cell architecture. These organisms undergo large strains and strain rates to accomplish such feats. One such protist,, extends a neck-like protrusion to catch prey at a distance.
’s extreme hyperextensibility remain unknown. To observe these mechanics at the sub-cellular level, Eliott Flaum and Manu Prakash used a combination of live imaging, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy.
To better understand the dynamics involved, Flaum and Prakash developed a mechanical paper model that mimicsIn a Perspective, Leonardo Gordillo and Enrique Cerda discuss the findings in greater detail.
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