Myosin ATP Complex
On the screen you will see an ATP molecule binding to a molecule of myosin. Myosin is a protein present in all human cells, including at a very high density in muscle cells where it leads to contraction. If you use the scroll wheel to zoom out, you will see the full protein. We have highlighted a portion of the myosin protein called "serine 237" (an amino acid) that catalyzes hydrolysis of ATP by lowering the "activation barrier" (breaking bonds costs energy!).
Press the "Play" button to observe just a few nanoseconds of dynamics of this protein. Notice how the Mg2+ ion (blue sphere) is tightly held by an oxygen atom of serine 237 as well as those of ATP; the distances are indicated and are in units of Angstroms (1 Angstrom = 0.1 nm). You may also click within the display window and move your mouse to rotate the system. Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in and observe the simulation more closely. Note how dynamic the atoms are! Molecular systems are constantly undergoing stochastic (random) "thermal motion".
