Fluctuation Theorem for the flashing ratchet model of molecular motors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the flashing ratchet model of molecular motors exhibits Gallavotti-Cohen fluctuation symmetry only when both chemical and mechanical degrees of freedom are considered, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive modeling.

Contribution

It reveals the conditions under which the fluctuation relation holds in the flashing ratchet model, specifically the necessity of including both chemical and mechanical variables.

Findings

Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry is present only with combined chemical and mechanical degrees of freedom.

The study clarifies the conditions for fluctuation relations in molecular motor models.

Highlights the importance of comprehensive state descriptions for fluctuation theorems.

Abstract

Molecular motors convert chemical energy derived from the hydrolysis of ATP into mechanical energy. A well-studied model of a molecular motor is the flashing ratchet model. We show that this model exhibits a fluctuation relation known as the Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry. Our study highlights the fact that the symmetry is present only if the chemical and mechanical degrees of freedom are both included in the description.