Structure

Legend has it that the Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge was built by none other than Sir Isaac Newton who became Professor of Mathematics at the University in 1669.

The Mathematical Bridge was designed by James King in 1749. The name ‘Mathematical Bridge” is actually a term used to describe the type of bridge rather than the bridge you are looking at today. These wooden bridges were traditionally used to support the construction of stone bridges such as Westminster Bridge in London.

It is rumoured to have been made using no nuts, bolts or screws! The Mathematical Bridge gives a rare glimpse into the complex structures underlying everyday objects.

Like people (and bridges) every cell has its own “skeleton” – called the cytoskeleton – which maintain the cell’s structure under pressure.

However, the cytoskeleton does more than hold the cell together ; it is constantly being remodelled to allow cells to move, grow and adapt. When this process goes out of control, organisms may not develop normally.

Cells control cytoskeleton remodelling using a complex toolkit of proteins. In frogs, for example, as tadpoles develop, nerve cells in the eye must journey to a precise part of the brain in order for visual information to be carried and understood.

These nerve cells feel their way through a crowded environment using tiny “fingers” – called filopodia – which rapidly change shape as they explore.

Researchers at the Gurdon Institute are  looking at how different components of the cytoskeleton remodelling toolkit control filopodia shape, enabling nerve cells to navigate correctly.