Symmetry and Conservation in the Cell

This lecture explores the complexity of dynamic problems in cells, where simple random walks are insufficient due to the heterogeneous cellular environment. By considering particles executing random walks in potential landscapes, the lecture delves into the interpretation of potential functions, barriers, and the impact of thermal fluctuations and applied forces. The overdamped Langevin equation is used to model scenarios like bond strength under loading rates. Simulations are crucial for solving problems analytically or numerically. The lecture also covers topics such as assisted escape from potential wells, mean bond lifetime under pulling forces, and dynamic force spectroscopy to understand molecular bond strength variations under different forces.