The Structural Basis of the Myosin ATPase Activity

Myosin is an ATPase that converts chemical energy into directed movement and can be viewed as a molecular motor. This protein comes in many shapes and sizes. Over 11 classes of myosin have been identified, and it is anticipated that more will be found as the search continues (2). Indeed it has been recognized in one form or another in every eukaryotic cell examined. The common feature of all of these molecules is a section close to the N terminus that can be identified as a motor domain.