Powerful Molecular Motor Permits Speedy Assembly of Viruses

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Cutaway of virus with DNA being packaged within. Image credit: Steven McQuinn Science Artist Doug Smith UCSD Bonnie Draper and Venigalla Rao Catholic University of America
Cutaway of virus with DNA being packaged within. Image credit: Steven McQuinn, Science Artist; Doug Smith, UCSD; Bonnie Draper and Venigalla Rao, Catholic University of America

A team of physicists at the University of California, San Diego and biologists at Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. has shown that a tiny viral motor generates twice as much power, relative to its size, as an automobile engine. The finding explains why even very large viruses can self-assemble so rapidly.


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All News summaries for October 29, 2007

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