Computer simulations reveal molecular motor properties using a microtubule and an optical tweezer

We present theoretical studies of the dynamics of molecular motors interacting with a microtubule. Using an optical tweezer and a microtubule, we subjected molecular motors to forces in different directions. To study the dependence of motor properties on the load in different directions, the translational motion of the microtubule in a gliding motor array was transformed into the rotational motion. Computer simulations show that the force-velocity relationship can be obtained. The dependence of microtubule gliding on the density of bound motors is investigated.