Three-dimensional structure of myosin subfragment-1: a molecular motor.

Rayment, I; Rypniewski, W R; Schmidt-Bäse, K; Smith, R; Tomchick, D R; Benning, M M; Winkelmann, D A; Wesenberg, G et al. · Science · 1993

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Directed movement is a characteristic of many living organisms and occurs as a result of the transformation of chemical energy into mechanical energy. Myosin is one of three families of molecular motors that are responsible for cellular motility. The three-dimensional structure of the head portion of myosin, or subfragment-1, which contains both the actin and nucleotide binding sites, is described. This structure of a molecular motor was determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. The data provide a structural framework for understanding the molecular basis of motility.

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