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Models of Molecular Motors
Molecular motors in living cells are complex protein assemblies that perform mechanical tasks, such as intracellular transport, ion pumping, DNA replication and protein synthesis. Distinct from macroscopic, man-made machines, molecular motors work in a very noisy environment, where thermal fluctuations are significant and probably important to the operation of the motor. Molecular machines are also capable of transforming chemical energy directly into mechanical work, unlike man-made heat engines that need an extra step (heat). To help understanding the basic physical principles that govern molecular motors it is helpful to develop relatively simple model systems. The goal of such models is not necessarily to replicate the usually very complex biological reality, but to create controlled environments that can teach us about the basic principles that may be in common to all nanoscale, thermal machines. Our group uses both numerical and experimental methods to create such models, many of which are related to ratchets and Brownian motors. Numerical Models Experimental Models
Movie Clips (by Matthew
Downton) Key Researchers at UO Collaborators Representative Publications
Funding Links on
Molecular Motors
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