The Perception of Fluctuations of Cell Velocity as a Possible Means of Overcoming Sedimentation by Motile Sea-Plankton Microorganisms

Abstract

A model for overcoming the gravity by cells of wide range of motile sea-plankton microorganisms without gravity perception or antipredator behavior is proposed here. It is based on the assuming that the cells are able to detect thermal fluctuations of their velocities. In our model the cell locomotion force linearly depends on the cell velocity fluctuations causing especial type of gravikinesis. According to equations of the cell movement, sedimentation of the organisms may be considerably overcome.