Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Committee Chair
Lawrence A. Hornak.
Abstract
Molecular shuttles are nanometer-sized machines capable of transporting single molecules over small distances under user control. Actin-myosin system is a motor protein system, which naturally evolved within the cell for the nanoscale transport. The Acto-Myosin system is fuelled by ATP, converting chemical energy into linear motion. The gliding geometry movement of actin wherein the tails of the motors are adsorbed to the surface and the heads of the motors move the actin filaments across the surface can be exploited to achieve the directional control. The motion of actin in a specific direction and the surface of travel can be modified either through lithographic methods or imprinting techniques. The aim of this thesis is to estimate and quantize the motion of Actin filaments under electric force fields. The required electrical fields are simulated and the mobility of actin under the electric force field is estimated quantitatively. Experimental exploration of this motion was targeted. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
Recommended Citation
Chilakamarri, Raghu, "Actin nanokinematics under the influence of DC electric fields" (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1658.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1658