Molecular motors: The natural economy of kinesin

Kinesin is a molecular-scale walking machine. New analyses of its mechanism indicate that each step along a microtubule consumes one ATP molecule, and that the binding and cleavage of ATP precede detachment of the molecule's 'feet'. Directional walking ensues if ATP processing occurs preferentially on one foot. (C) Current Biology Ltd ISSN 0960-9822.