Theoretical studies have predicted spatiotemporal organization of cell metabolism. Using a rapidly gated CCD camera, we demonstrate for the first time sustained traveling waves of NAD(P)H autofluorescence and protons in individual morphologically polarized living cells. Chemical concentration fronts moved in the direction of cell orientation, thus correlating dissipative structures with cell shape.

• Received 28 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.2754