motor proteins


motor proteins

The protein classes of myosins, kinesins and dyneins. Also known as molecular motors. There are more than 40 myosins, they function in muscle contraction and some other processes, and move along filaments of the protein actin. Kinesins are concerned in transport of proteins, organelles and vesicles along microtubules and chromosome segregation. Dyneins are very large molecules that power cilia and flagella. All the motor proteins are powered by energy from ATP binding, hydrolysis and release. Molecular proteins convert chemical energy (ATP) into kinetic energy.