Single molecule analysis of the actomyosin motor

Progress in imaging techniques and nano-manipulation of single molecules ha s been remarkable. These techniques have allowed the accurate determination of myosin-head-induced displacements and of how the mechanical cycles of t he actomyosin motor are coupled to ATP hydrolysis. This has been achieved b y measuring mechanical and chemical events of actomyosin directly at the si ngle molecule level. Recent studies have made detailed measurements of myos in step size and mechanochemical coupling. The results of these studies sug gest a new model for the mechanism of motion underlying actomyosin motors, which differs from the currently accepted lever-arm swinging model.