Negative wedge disclinations of rotation 2π radians and topological changes of membranous systems

Abstract

It is commonly believed that wedge disclinations of large rotation are of little more than academic interest. The negative wedge disclination of rotation 2π rad, however, has some intriguing properties that suggest it might play important roles in the change in topology of systems of biological membranes such as occurs in cell division. It can move conservatively. Normally it does so in straight lines but it can change direction and where it does it leaves a pair of wedge disclinations. Perhaps surprisingly two negative wedge disclinations of rotation 2π rad can annihilate one another and, in reverse, be formed at a point near which there were no other singularities.