RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Local Excitation, Global Inhibition Mechanism for Gradient Sensing: An Interactive Applet JF Science's STKE JO Sci. STKE FD American Association for the Advancement of Science SP pl3 OP pl3 DO 10.1126/stke.2192004pl3 VO 2004 IS 219 A1 Kutscher, Brett A1 Devreotes, Peter A1 Iglesias, Pablo A. YR 2004 UL http://stke.sciencemag.org/content/2004/219/pl3.abstract AB We have proposed a model in which cells detect gradients of chemoattractant by balancing a fast local excitation and a slower global inhibition. To illustrate this general mechanism, we have developed an interactive applet that mimics laboratory experiments in which either spatially homogeneous or heterogeneous stimuli of chemoattractant are applied.