Molecular Motors
Protein-based molecular machines that convert chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work and linear movement.
Governing formula
F_step ≈ 6 pN, Step Size d ≈ 8 nm (Kinesin on Microtubule)
SI unit
pN (Piconewtons) & nm (Step Length)
In depth
Kinesin and dynein walk along microtubule tracks to transport organelle vesicles; myosin walks along actin filaments in muscle contraction. Molecular motors operate in low-Reynolds-number overdamped thermal environments.
Examples in the real world
Kinesin walking step-by-step along cell microtubules pulling intracellular transport vesicles.