motor proteins

Motor proteins are specialized molecules in cells that act like tiny machines, facilitating movement and transport. They convert chemical energy from ATP (a molecule that stores energy) into mechanical work. These proteins can "walk" along tracks made of other proteins, like microtubules, moving cargo such as nutrients, organelles, or even chromosomes during cell division. Examples include kinesin and dynein, which play critical roles in cellular functions, ensuring proper distribution of materials within cells. Their actions are essential for many biological processes, including muscle contraction and cellular organization.