Mechanical work isometric contraction

Figure 1.7. Shown are the first reported data of the conversion by an elastic-contractile model protein of chemical energy due to an increase in concentration of acid into the mechanical work of contraction. A Length changes at constant force (isotonic contraction) in phosphate-buffered saline. B Force changes at constant length (isometric contraction) in phosphate-buffered saline. (Reproduced from Urry et al. )...

The development of force under conditions of fixed length, as in an isometric contraction, involves the elastic deformation of a chain or chains within the protein-based machine. On relaxation, ideal elastic elements return the total energy of deformation to the protein-based machine for the performance of mechanical work. Thus, the approach toward high efficiency for the function of a protein-based linear motor, or even for the RIP domain movement in Complex III, depends on how nearly the extension of an elastomeric chain segment approaches ideal elasticity. 

Performance of Mechanical Work with an Isometric Contraction Followed by an Isotonic Contraction with Relaxation to Initial Force... 

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