Molecular machines - a new dimension of biological sciences

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2015 Jun;20(2):248-64. doi: 10.1515/cmble-2015-0014.

Abstract

Biological systems are characterized by directional and precisely controlled flow of matter and information along with the maintenance of their structural patterns. This is possible thanks to sequential transformations of information, energy and structure carried out by molecular machines. The new perception of biological systems, including their mechanical aspects, requires the implementation of tools and approaches previously developed for engineering sciences. In this review paper, a biological system is presented in a new perspective as an ensemble of coordinated molecular devices functioning in the limited space confined by the biological membrane. The working of a molecular machine is presented using the example of F0F1 ATPase, and the general conditions necessary for the coordination of a large number of functional units are described.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / chemistry*
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism

Substances

  • Proton-Translocating ATPases