Proceedings of Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan
Proceedings of Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan
Session ID : 1ML-1A
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Fluctuation and Function of Life
*Toshio Yanagida
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Abstract

Biomolecules assemble to form molecular machines such as molecular motors, cell signal processors, DNA transcription processors and protein synthesizers to fulfill their functions. Their collaboration allows the activity of biological systems. The reactions andbehaviors of molecular machines vary flexibly while responding to their surroundings. This flexibility is essential for biological organisms. The underlying mechanism of molecular machines is not as simple as that expected from analogy with man-made machines. Since molecular machines are only nanometers in size and has a flexiblestructure, it is very prone to thermal agitation. Furthermore, the input energy level is not much difference from average thermal energy, kBT. Molecular machines can thus operate under the strong influence of this thermal noise, with a high efficiency of energyconversion. They would not overcome thermal noise but effectively use it for their functions. This is in sharp contrast to man-made machines that operate at energies much higher than the thermal noise. In recent years, the single molecule detection (SMD) and nano- technologies have rapidly been expanding to include a wide range of life science. The dynamic properties of biomolecules and the unique operations of molecular machines, which were previously hidden in averaged ensemble measurements, have now been unveiled. The aim of our research is to approach the engineering principle of adaptive biological system by uncovering the unique operations involved in utilizing fluctuations by biosystems from molecular machines to brain. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S2]

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© 2008 The Physiological Society of Japan
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