References & Sources

Molecular motors spin slowly but surely

The first molecular motors built from scratch spin when powered by light or chemical energy.

References:

Kelly, T.R., H. De Silva, and R.A. Silva. 1999. Unidirectional rotary motion in a molecular system. Nature 401(Sept. 9):150.

Koumura, N. . . . and B.L. Feringa. 1999. Light-driven monodirectional molecular rotor. Nature 401(Sept. 9):152.

Further Readings:

Kelly, T.R., J.P. Sestelo, and I. Tellitu. 1998. New molecular devices: In search of a molecular ratchet. Journal of Organic Chemistry 63:3655.

Lipkin, R. 1993. A new twist on bacterial rotary engines. Science News 144(Dec. 11):388.

Strobel, G. 1993. Minimizing molecular motor mysteries. Science News 144(Nov. 13):316.

Travis, J. 1997. Two genes help an embryo pick sides. Science News 152(Nov. 15):311.

______. 1996. Mitotic mischief. Science News 150(Aug. 31):140.

Wu, C. 1998. Protein switch curls bacterial propellers. Science News 153(Feb. 7):86.

______. 1997. Enzyme mechanics win chemistry Nobel. Science News 152(Oct. 25):262.

______. 1997. Molecular motor spins out energy for cells. Science News 151(March 22):173.

Sources:

Ben L. Feringa
University of Groningen
Department of Organic and Molecular Inorganic Chemistry
Stratingh Institute
Nijenborgh 4
9747 AG Groningen
Netherlands
Web site: http://www.chem.rug.nl/feringa/welcome.html

T. Ross Kelly
Boston College
Department of Chemistry
Eugene F. Market Chemistry Center
2609 Beacon Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

J. Fraser Stoddart
University of California, Los Angeles
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 11, September 11, 1999, p. 165. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.