Imaging and nano-manipulation of single motor molecules

Abstract

Single fluorescent dye molecules were visualized at video-rate in aqueous solution by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. This approach enabled us to directly image single myosin molecules and detect individual ATP turnover reactions. This approach also can be used to directly image single fluorescently-labeled kinesin molecules moving on an axoneme. The methods can be extended to simultaneous measurements of the ATPase reaction and force/movement by single motor protein molecules. This should provide a clear answer to the fundamental problem of how mechanical reaction is coupled to ATPase reaction.