Modeling fungal hypha tip growth via viscous sheet approximation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new mathematical model for fungal hypha tip growth, combining viscous sheet approximation with a novel hardening equation, to better understand the mechanics of cell wall expansion.

Contribution

The paper develops a novel model integrating viscous sheet theory and hardening dynamics to simulate hypha tip growth, advancing previous models.

Findings

Model can simulate hypha tip growth dynamics

Incorporates cell wall hardening process

Provides numerical evidence supporting the model's validity

Abstract

In this paper we present a new model for single-celled, non-branching hypha tip growth. The growth mechanism of hypha cells consists of transport of cell wall building material to the cell wall and subsequent incorporation of this material in the wall as it arrives. To model the transport of cell wall building material to the cell wall we follow Bartnicki-Garcia et al in assuming that the cell wall building material is transported in straight lines by an isotropic point source. To model the dynamics of the cell wall, including its growth by new material, we use the approach of Campas and Mahadevan, which assumes that the cell wall is a thin viscous sheet sustained by a pressure difference. Furthermore, we include a novel equation which models the hardening of the cell wall as it ages. We present numerical results which give evidence that our model can describe tip growth, and briefly discuss validation aspects.