Mighty Motors, Mighty Small: The Nano World of Biomolecular Motors
Dr. Bruce Gaber (Advanced Projects Group, Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.)
Video: (for Windows only)
This video was produced by using RICOH's automatic video editing software at the ATIP seminar on December 17, 2003.
 Note: Real Player can be installed in your computer. (Free)
Summary:
Our conventional day-to-day world depends on motors of all sorts. Transportation of essential goods relies on motors to power trucks, trains, and planes. We extend our personal mobility with automobile motors. The construction of our environment requires motors to lift, push, and pull components into place. The energy essential to our modern civilization derives from motors that convert water flow and heat into electricity. But Nature was there first. Tiny biomolecular motors move along protein tracks to transport nutrients within cells. Our muscles comprise a system of motors (myosin) that move cables (actin). Cell division is driven by kinesin motors tugging at microtubules. Our core biochemical energy source (ATP) is generated as a molecular motor (ATP synthase) spins in response to a proton gradient. We will explore how the lessons of biomolecular motors can drive a new era of bionanotechnological devices.
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