Motor protein

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Motor Protein

Motor proteins (pronunciation: /ˈmoʊtər ˈproʊtiːn/) are a class of molecular motors that can move along the surface of a suitable substrate. They are powered by the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and convert chemical energy into mechanical work.

Etymology

The term "motor protein" is derived from the Latin word "motor" meaning "mover" and the Greek word "proteios" meaning "primary" or "in the lead".

Function

Motor proteins are essential for various biological functions, including cell division, vesicle transport, and muscle contraction. They are responsible for the active transport of organelles and vesicles within cells, which is necessary for maintaining cellular structure and function.

Types

There are three main types of motor proteins: myosin, which works primarily in muscle cells to enable contraction; kinesin, which moves along microtubules in cells and is involved in the transport of organelles and vesicles; and dynein, which also moves along microtubules and is involved in the movement of cilia and flagella.

Related Terms

  • Molecular motor: A protein or protein complex which uses a chemical energy source to move along a biopolymer filament or track.
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells.
  • Hydrolysis: The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.
  • Cell division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
  • Vesicle transport: The process of moving substances within cells in small sacs called vesicles.
  • Muscle contraction: The activation of tension-generating sites within muscle fibers.
  • Organelle: A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.
  • Myosin: A superfamily of motor proteins best known for their roles in muscle contraction.
  • Kinesin: A protein belonging to a class of motor proteins found in eukaryotic cells.
  • Dynein: A family of cytoskeletal motor proteins that move along microtubules in cells.
  • Microtubule: A tubular component of the cytoskeleton that helps the cell resist compression, provides a track for vesicle transport, and is involved in cell division.

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