Modeling area gain and loss during cytokinesis

Abstract

One of the hallmarks of living systems is their ability to replicate and spread, which is achieved by division at the cellular level. During cytokinesis in animal cells, the cell is divided into two equal parts. Since division occurs while maintaining cellular volume, the membrane area must increase to allow the change in shape. However, how the ratio of membrane gain and loss adjusts during cell shape changes in cytokinesis is still unclear. To address this question, we developed a phenomenological model in which area gain and loss are balanced at the membrane level, controlled by membrane curvature and tension.