Figure 4.

Given here is a comparison of emerging motility when varying the spatial distribution of adhesions. For these simulations, the cell is polymerizing for only 60 s. (A1) and (B1) Shown here is the cell outline along with spatial profile of tangential surface stresses. The spatial distribution of adhesion sites along the ventral part of the cell is shown by the blue line. For nonuniform distribution of adhesions, bond density is prescribed to be nonzero only in a region near the cell front and rear. (A2 and B2) Shown here is a time evolution of cell length; a lengthening-shortening event is captured with prescribed spatial localization of adhesions. (A3 and B3) Given here are kymographs of axial traction stresses as a function of the position along the cell trajectory at a given time. When nonuniform distribution of adhesions is assumed, the rear adhesion site is lost (^∗) and the front adhesion site remains fixed on the surface but is reused as a rear adhesion site at the end of the motility cycle (^∗∗). To see this figure in color, go online.