When a mitochondrial chaperone helps a mitochondrial matrix protein into the matrix by biased diffusion, the chaperone is said to be acting as ______.
A)a Brownian motion
B)a biased diffuser
C)a Brownian ratchet
D)a misratchet
E)an unbiased diffuser

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Brownian ratchet is a mechanism by which molecular machines can use Brownian motion to move in a particular direction. In this scenario, the mitochondrial chaperone is acting like a Brownian ratchet, using the random motion of the protein to help it move towards the matrix rather than away from it.

When a Mitochondrial Chaperone Helps a Mitochondrial Matrix Protein into the Matrix