We study the dynamics and patterning of polar contractile filaments on the surface of a cylindrical cell using active hydrodynamic equations that incorporate couplings between curvature and filament orientation. Cables and rings spontaneously emerge as steady state configurations on the cylinder, and can be stationary or moving, helical or tilted segments moving along helical trajectories. We observe phase transitions in the steady state patterns upon changing cell diameter or motor-driven activity and make several testable predictions. Our results are relevant to the dynamics and patterning of a variety of active biopolymers in cylindrical cells.

• Received 9 June 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.168104