Life at Low Reynolds Number: Microorganisms' Adaptation and Propulsion

This lecture explores the challenges microorganisms face living at small scales, focusing on their evolution and adaptation mechanisms. It delves into the motility of bacteria, such as E. coli and V. alginolyticus, and discusses the significance of small-scale flows in biological systems. The instructor also covers the mucociliary clearance process in the lungs, emphasizing its role in the immune system. Additionally, the lecture addresses the propulsion mechanisms at the microscale, highlighting the importance of asymmetric body deformation for movement at low Reynolds numbers. Key concepts include the generation of propulsive forces and the comparison of inertial and viscous forces in microorganisms' locomotion.