A Molecular Motor Gives Up Its Secrets (IMAGE)

DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

A Molecular Motor Gives Up Its Secrets

Caption

Electron microscope images of kinesin, one of life's smallest molecular motors, have been used to derive new, highly detailed 3-D maps (transparent surface) of the motor frozen in action. By fitting atomic models (colored ribbons) into the 3-D maps, a detailed mechanism has been derived for how a single molecule of biological fuel, called ATP, initiates motor movement.

Credit

Charles Sindelar, Brandeis University

Usage Restrictions

credit image to Charles Sindelar, Brandeis University

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.