The Kinesin Motor: A Stunning Example of Cellular Nanotechnology

One of the most amazing examples of cellular nanotechnology is a molecular motor protein known as kinesin. Kinesin is responsible for transporting molecular cargo -- including chromosomes (e.g. during cell division), neurotransmitters and other important material -- along microtubule tracks from one region of the cell to another. It is driven by ATP hydrolysis, thereby converting chemical energy into mechanical energy which it can use for movement. A kinesin molecule typically...