Abstract

Research in many scientific fields is turning towards more interdisciplinary approaches, utilizing tools from several disciplines to solve complex problems. The field of cell motility can benefit from this type of research. In particular, Trypanosomes possess unique cell motility patterns that can be described using physical modeling. This thesis project attempts to develop protocols for the measurement of movements observed in immobilized trypanosome flagella. Three protocols were developed. The Wave Characteristics Protocol quantitatively measures the physical properties of propagating waves along the flagella. The Shape Recreation Protocol accurately produces recreations of interesting shapes found in the cell. Finally, the Point Analysis Protocol utilizes GFP-labeled flagella to determine coordinates along the flagella that can be used to determine functions for shapes found in the movies of the flagellar movements. The accuracy of the results of these protocols is independent of the skill of the researcher. These protocols are not only efficient ways to measure movements in Trypanosomes, but may also be helpful in measurements involving other flagellated cells, such as sperm cells.