Observations of magnetic field induced contraction of fission yeast cells using optical projection microscopy

Abstract

The charges in live cells interact with or produce electric fields, which results in enormous dielectric responses, flexoelectricity, and related phenomena. Here we report on a contraction of schizosacchraoymces pombe (fission yeast) cells induced by magnetic fields, as observed using a phase sensitive projection image technique. Unlike electric fields, magnetic fields only act on moving charges. The observed behavior is quite remarkable, and may result from a contractile Lorentz force acting on diamagnetic screening currents. This would indicate extremely high intracellular charge mobilities. Besides, we observed a large electro - optical response from fission yeast cells.

13 pages, four sets of figures, accepted for publication in CEJP, October 2004