Chemical oscillations in biological systems
Abstract
Models describing the oscillatory mechanisms encountered in two different biological systems were developed and analyzed. The first model is that of the peroxidase-oxidase (PO) reaction which explicitly includes the species 2,4-dicholophenol (DCP). Simulations of this model at different pH values result in qualitatively similar behavior to experiment, including, at pH6.3, mixed-mode oscillations that go through period-doubling bifurcations into chaos, a recent experimental observation. The second model describes a potential mechanism for the initiation of an intercellular Ca2+ wave in an astrocyte, a cell type found in the central nervous system. Experimentally the intercellular wave appears to follow the astrocyte membrane, thereby indicating the mechanism for initiation involved only membrane connected pathways. While these membrane pathways do appear to be necessary for the propagation of the wave, they will not cause the initiation of a wave.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Larter, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Chemistry
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