Noise-Induced Acceleration of Single Molecule Kinesin-1

Phys Rev Lett. 2021 Oct 22;127(17):178101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.178101.

Abstract

The movement of single kinesin molecules was observed while applying noisy external forces that mimic intracellular active fluctuations. We found kinesin accelerates under noise, especially when a large hindering load is added. The behavior quantitatively conformed to a theoretical model that describes the kinesin movement with simple two-state reactions. The universality of the kinetic theory suggests that intracellular enzymes share a similar noise-induced acceleration mechanism, i.e., active fluctuations in cells are not just noise but are utilized to promote various physiological processes.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration*
  • Cells / enzymology
  • Cells / metabolism*
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Kinesins