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Coordinated Chemomechanical Cycles: A Mechanism for Autonomous Molecular Motion

S. J. Green, J. Bath, and A. J. Turberfield
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 238101 – Published 3 December 2008; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 139901 (2009)
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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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  • Received 15 February 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.238101

©2008 American Physical Society

Erratum

Synopsis

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Molecular side step

Published 3 December 2008

Physicists present the mechanism of a DNA-based molecular motor that is fueled by a catalytic reaction and walks in one direction along a reusable track.

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Authors & Affiliations

S. J. Green, J. Bath, and A. J. Turberfield*

  • University of Oxford, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom

  • *a.turberfield@physics.ox.ac.uk Supported by EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC and by the MoD through the Bionanotechnology IRC.

See Also

Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

Sarah Webb
Phys. Rev. Focus 22, 18 (2008)

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 23 — 5 December 2008

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