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'Prima Donna' Protein Doesn't Work Well in Pairs


November 5, 2010

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A new study by Rice University bioengineers finds that the workhorse proteins that move cargo inside living cells behave like prima donnas. These molecular-scale machines called kinesin, are two-legged mechanical motor proteins. Using an especially sensitive set of tools, Rice's scientists measured the pulling power of kinesin both singly and in pairs. They report this week in Biophysical Journal that kinesins don't work well together--in part because they are so effective on their own.Full Story

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Rice University

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