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The significance of molecular slips in transport systems

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology volume 3, pages 876–881 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

The advantage of precision in biological processes is obvious; however, in many cases, deviations from the faithful mechanisms occur. Here, we discuss how in-built operating imperfections in transport systems can actually benefit a cell.

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Figure 1: Subunit structure of the F- and V-ATPases.
Figure 2: A schematic representation of a mechanistic slip induced in V-ATPase by an increased proton-motive force.
Figure 3: A schematic representation of a mechanistic slip in ion-driven transporters.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the United States–Israel Binational Scientific Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel

    Nathan Nelson, Ayelet Sacher & Hannah Nelson

  2. The Maimen Institute for Proteasome Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel

    Nathan Nelson, Ayelet Sacher & Hannah Nelson

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Correspondence to Nathan Nelson.

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Nelson, N., Sacher, A. & Nelson, H. The significance of molecular slips in transport systems. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 3, 876–881 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm955

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