Work

Coordinated Chemomechanical Cycles: A Mechanism for Autonomous Molecular Motion

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: The second law of thermodynamics requires that directed motion be accompanied by dissipation of energy. Here we demonstrate the working principles of a bipedal molecular motor. The motor is constructed from DNA and is driven by the hybridization of a DNA fuel. We show how the catalytic activities of the feet can be coordinated to create a Brownian ratchet that is in principle capable of directional and processive movement along a track. This system can be driven away from equilibrium, demonstrating the potential of the motor to do work.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.101.238101

Authors: S. J. Green, J. Bath, A. J. Turberfield

Institution: University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Award: G7377796800