Brownian motion, fluctuation and life

Biosystems. 2007 Apr;88(3):228-42. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2006.08.012. Epub 2006 Nov 9.

Abstract

The measurements of dynamic behaviors of biomolecules in relation to their functions have been allowed using single molecule measurements. Thermal Brownian motion causes random step motion of motor proteins and structural fluctuation of protein molecules between multiple states. In hierarchic structure of life, the fluctuation is modulated. Random fluctuation is biased to directional motion and reactions as a result of interaction of proteins. The fluctuation of kinetic state of signaling proteins results in polarization and localization of cells. A recognition process in brain is also explained by the equation analogous to biochemical reaction at the molecular level. Thus dynamic processes originated from thermal motion may play an important role in activation processes in life.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Actins / physiology
  • Animals
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology
  • Motion
  • Myosins / chemistry
  • Myosins / physiology
  • Protein Conformation
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Systems Biology*
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Actins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Myosins
  • Kinesins