Speaker
Description
Living systems at the molecular scale are complex (composed of many constituents with strong and heterogeneous interactions), far from equilibrium, and subject to strong fluctuations. Energy conversion in such contexts would seem to be challenging, yet nature has evolved numerous molecular machines that efficiently, precisely, and rapidly transduce free energy between non-equilibrium reservoirs. Here we discuss design principles for effective free energy transduction in a simple model of FoF1 ATP synthase, a rotary motor that is crucial for virtually all living things. In particular, we discuss the interplay between non-equilibrium driving forces, natural equilibrium fluctuations, and interactions between the strongly coupled sub-systems that comprise the full machine.
