Noise-Induced Acceleration of Single Molecule Kinesin-1

The movement of single kinesin molecules was observed while applying noisy external forces that mimic intracellular active fluctuations. We found kinesin accelerates under noise, especially when a large hindering load is added. The behavior quantitatively conformed to a theoretical model that describes the kinesin movement with simple two-state reactions. The universality of the kinetic theory suggests that intracellular enzymes share a similar noise-induced acceleration mechanism, i.e., active fluctuations in cells are not just noise but are utilized to promote various physiological processes.

Automated summary

The study showed that noisy external forces can accelerate the movement of kinesin molecules, especially under large hindering loads. This behavior is consistent with a theoretical model of two-state reactions, suggesting a universal noise-induced acceleration mechanism in intracellular enzymes. This indicates that active fluctuations in cells are utilized to promote various physiological processes, rather than just being considered as noise.