Transport characteristics of molecular motors

Biosystems. 2008 Dec;94(3):253-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2008.05.033. Epub 2008 Jul 31.

Abstract

Properties of transport of molecular motors are investigated. A simplified model based on the concept of Brownian ratchets is applied. We analyze a stochastic equation of motion by means of numerical methods. The transport is systematically studied with respect to its energetic efficiency and quality expressed by an effective diffusion coefficient. We demonstrate the role of friction and non-equilibrium driving on the transport quantifiers and identify regions of a parameter space where motors are optimally transported.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport, Active / physiology
  • Friction
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Stochastic Processes

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins