Observations of magnetic field induced contraction of fission yeast cells using optical projection microscopy

Xi Yang; Andrew Beckwith

doi:10.2478/bf02475566

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Observations of magnetic field induced contraction of fission yeast cells using optical projection microscopy

Xi Yang·Andrew Beckwith

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Abstract

The charges in live cells interact with or produce electric fields, which results in enormous dielectric responses, flexoelectricity, and related phenomena. Here we report on a contraction of schizosacchraoymces pombe (fission yeast) cells induced by magnetic fields, as observed using a phase sensitive projection image technique. Unlike electric fields, magnetic fields only act on moving charges. The observed behavior is quite remarkable, and may result from a contractile Lorentz force acting on diamagnetic screening currents. This would indicate extremely high intracellular charge mobilities. Besides, we observed a large electro - optical response from fission yeast cells.

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Xi Yang, Andrew Beckwith. 2004-09-02. Observations of magnetic field induced contraction of fission yeast cells using optical projection microscopy. https://doi.org/10.2478/bf02475566

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