Motility and Energetics of Randomly Flashing Ratchets


Abstract in English

We consider a randomly flashing ratchet, where the potential acting can be switched to another at random. Using coupled Fokker-Planck equations, we formulate the expressions of quantities measuring dynamics and thermodynamics. Extended numerical calculations present how the potential landscapes and the transitions affect the motility and energetics. Load-dependent velocity and energetic efficiency of motor proteins, kinesin and dynein, further exemplify the randomly flashing ratchet model. We also discuss the system with two shifted sawtooth potentials.

Download