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Buzz Words in Biopolymer Networks

Structural Polymorphism: Polymorphism is the ability of a material to exist in
different crystal structure. e.g a rich structural polymorphism of acto-myosin network
is desirable
Actin cortex: Actin cortex is the thin cross-linked network just behind the cell membrane. The myosin motor exerts contractile forces onto actin cortex. Actin cortex is a
crucial element in controlling cell shape.
Gelation dynamics: Same as assembly. For example, gelation (Assembly) dynamics
of cross-linked F-actin networks.
Nucleation: Nucleation is an event, by which the filament start growing by polymerising. For example, Arp2/3 (Arp=Actin related protein) nucleates actin polymerization
in lamellipodia. Nucleation promoting factors such as Wasp activates Arp2/3 complex.

Figure 1: Reptation Process