Speaker
Christel Hohenegger
(University of Utah)
Description
Mechanical properties of molecular motors such as kinesin are often measured using optical traps. We develop three-dimensional stochastic models based on force and torque balances for two experimental setups: the single-bead assay and the three-bead assay. Our goal is to provide insight into how modeling choices in force–velocity and force–detachment relationships influence motion along the microtubule, and how these choices may fail to accurately represent experimentally observed displacements. We identify key misconceptions, particularly relating to the detachment times that arises when out-of-plane components are neglected. Finally, we discuss the limitations of these models and their discrepancies with experimental data.
Author
Christel Hohenegger
(University of Utah)
