A rotary motor related to F1-ATPase but with fourfold symmetry advances in steps

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Biophysics & Medical Physics · Molecular machines, transport and bioenergetics · Molecular machines, transport and bioenergetics

Forces, Machines and Signals, Ch Enzymes and molecular motors

Problem

A rotary motor related to F1-ATPase but with fourfold symmetry advances in

90^\circ

steps, one ATP hydrolysed per step, generating an average torque of

32\,\mathrm{pN\,nm}

during the step. Cellular ATP hydrolysis releases a free energy of

80\,\mathrm{pN\,nm}

per molecule. ((a)) Find the mechanical work done per step. ((b)) Find the efficiency of the step.

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