How biomolecular motors work: Synergy between single molecule experiments and single molecule simulations

Abstract

Cells are a collection of machines with a wide range of functions. Most of these machines are proteins. To understand their mechanisms, a synergistic combination of experiments and computer simulations is required. Some underlying concepts concerning proteins involved in such machines and their motions are presented. An essential element is that the conformational changes required for machine function are built into the structure by evolution. Specific biomolecular motors (kinesin and F1-ATPase) are considered and how they work is described.