Two-dimensional model of elastically coupled molecular motors

A flashing ratchet model of a two-headed molecular motor in a two-dimensional potential is proposed to simulate the hand-over-hand motion of kinesins. Extensive Langevin simulations of the model are performed. We discuss the dependences of motion and efficiency on the model parameters, including the external force and the temperature. A good qualitative agreement with the expected behavior is observed. (interdisciplinary physics and related areas of science and technology)