Figure 8.

Characteristic output of a single simulation with microtubule dynamics. The kymographs track the position of the minus and plus ends of each microtubule throughout the simulation (top). The minus ends do not polymerize and, therefore, they follow the axon deformation. In contrast, the plus ends of the microtubules are highly dynamic through continuous (de-)polymerization. The total microtubule length will therefore vary throughout the simulation (bottom right). The total number of cross-links in the model follows the same trends as the total microtubule length, because the total microtubule length determines the available positions for cross-links to attach. The applied external force and the axon stretch are shown versus time (bottom left). Sudden increases in axon stretch are caused by the development of weak spots along the axon where many microtubules have depolymerized. To view this figure in color, go online.