Self-Organization in Cells

Abstract

Cells are dynamic, adaptable systems that operate far from thermodynamic equilibrium. Their function and structure is derived from complex biological mechanisms, which are based on several distinct organizational principles. On the one hand, master regulators, preformed templates or recipes can guide cellular structure and function. On the other hand, local interactions between fluctuating agents and growing work-in-progress can lead to de novo emergence of structures via self-organization. Here we discuss how these distinct principles are used in cellular organization. We highlight several examples of cellular self-organization, including intracellular gradient formation, growth based on stigmergy and force mediated feedbacks in spindle formation and contrast these to template-based mechanisms such as self-assembly. We conclude that an intimate interplay between distinct organizational principles, including template-based mechanisms and self-organization, forms the basis of cellular structure and function.