Number fluctuation spectroscopy of motile microorganisms
A random-walk model of motility is used to predict the dynamics of fluctuations in the number of particles in a small observation volume. The results show that number fluctuations provide a measure of the mean swimming speed as well as the persistence length. Experimental light-scattering results are presented for three strains of Escherichia coli whose motion appears random-walk in nature. For the strain with the longest persistence length, excellent agreement is found with theoretical predictions. For the more erratic strains, however, the shape of the measured scattered light intensity correlation functions indicates the presence of a contribution due to orientational fluctuations. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM
- OSTI ID:
- 7354939
- Journal Information:
- Biophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Biophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 15:8; ISSN BIOJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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