# Stochastic kinetics of ribosomes: single motor properties and collective behavior

Source: [Stochastic kinetics of ribosomes: single motor properties and collective behavior](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa23b02c2a37601939ae69>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-28T13:52:37.427Z

Authors: Ashok Garai, Debanjan Chowdhury, Debashish Chowdhury, T.V. Ramakrishnan

Published: 2009-03-15T06:14:15.000Z

## Abstract

Synthesis of protein molecules in a cell are carried out by ribosomes. A ribosome can be regarded as a molecular motor which utilizes the input chemical energy to move on a messenger RNA (mRNA) track that also serves as a template for the polymerization of the corresponding protein. The forward movement, however, is characterized by an alternating sequence of translocation and pause. Using a quantitative model, which captures the mechanochemical cycle of an individual ribosome, we derive an {\\it exact} analytical expression for the distribution of its dwell times at the successive positions on the mRNA track. Inverse of the average dwell time satisfies a \`\`Michaelis-Menten-like'' equation and is consistent with the general formula for the average velocity of a molecular motor with an unbranched mechano-chemical cycle. Extending this formula appropriately, we also derive the exact force-velocity relation for a ribosome. Often many ribosomes simultaneously move on the same mRNA track, while each synthesizes a copy of the same protein. We extend the model of a single ribosome by incorporating steric exclusion of different individuals on the same track. We draw the phase diagram of this model of ribosome traffic in 3-dimensional spaces spanned by experimentally controllable parameters. We suggest new experimental tests of our theoretical predictions.

## Recorded benchmark results

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## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/0903.2608>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/0903.2608.pdf>)