Studying Cell Migration
The migration of single mammalian cells is usually viewed in the microscope as the cells move randomly on a glass slide. As the actual movement is very slow — usually a few micrometers/minute — time-lapse films are taken so that a sped up movie can be viewed. This shows that, although the shape of a moving cell varies considerably, its leading front has a characteristic behaviour. This region of the cell is highly active, sometimes spreading forward quickly, sometimes retracting, sometimes ruffling or bubbling. It is generally accepted that the leading front is the main motor that pulls the cell forward.
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