Question

Why do molecular motors associated with the cytoskeleton allow molecules to move through the cell faster than the speed of diffusion. Explain in a paragraph

Answer 1

Molecular diffusion is caused by random motions within the cytoplasm. However, the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cell is very dynamic and a material not gaining equilibrium. It continually undergoes restructuring. This is largely driven by the forces generated by molecular motors. Such dynamic restructuring activity usually results in directed movement within cells. Also, because of this the cytoplasm gets agitated thermally due to Brownian Motion. These forces lead to providing that extra energy to the translational motors due to which they start moving at rates between several tenths of a micron to several microns per second. This directed motion accompanied with huge disbursement of energy leads to formation of a non-preempting cycle of travelling and energy provision for the same, resulting in molecular motors moving faster than diffusion through cells.