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Coordinated chemomechanical cycles: a mechanism for autonomous molecular motion
S J Green1, J Bath, A J Turberfield
1University of Oxford, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The second law of thermodynamics requires that directed motion be accompanied by dissipation of energy. Here we demonstrate the working principles of a bipedal molecular motor. The motor is constructed from DNA and is driven by the hybridization of a DNA fuel. We show how the catalytic activities of the feet can be coordinated to create a Brownian ratchet that is in principle capable of directional and processive movement along a track. This system can be driven away from equilibrium, demonstrating the potential of the motor to do work.
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