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It has been long been known that bacteria swim by rotating their tail-like structure called the flagellum. (See the swimming bacteria in the figure.) The rotating motion of the flagellum is powered by a molecular engine located at the base of the flagellum. Just as engaging the clutch of a car connects its gear to its engine and delivers power to its wheels, engaging the molecular clutch of a bacterium connects its gear to its engine and delivers power to its flagellum. Now, a paper ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111737&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.
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