Direct observation of kinesin stepping by optical trapping interferometry
Nature, 1993•nature.com
Do biological motors move with regular steps? To address this question, we constructed
instrumentation with the spatial and temporal sensitivity to resolve movement on a molecular
scale. We deposited silica beads carrying single molecules of the motor protein kinesin on
microtubules using optical tweezers and analysed their motion under controlled loads by
interferometry. We find that kinesin moves with 8-nm steps.
instrumentation with the spatial and temporal sensitivity to resolve movement on a molecular
scale. We deposited silica beads carrying single molecules of the motor protein kinesin on
microtubules using optical tweezers and analysed their motion under controlled loads by
interferometry. We find that kinesin moves with 8-nm steps.
Abstract
Do biological motors move with regular steps? To address this question, we constructed instrumentation with the spatial and temporal sensitivity to resolve movement on a molecular scale. We deposited silica beads carrying single molecules of the motor protein kinesin on microtubules using optical tweezers and analysed their motion under controlled loads by interferometry. We find that kinesin moves with 8-nm steps.
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