From stochastic to coherent assembly of microtubules: models and new results

In this paper, we propose several distinct, but related, approaches to the analysis of microtubular assembly and disassembly phenomena. Individual microtubules are modelled using stochastic maps. We then indicate a possible route to continuous evolution equations of the Fokker-Planck type. Finally, chemical kinetics phenomenology is employed to simulate damped oscillations of microtubule ensembles for high tubulin concentrations. A comparison with experimental data is shown to support the presented models.