Molecules for Movement: Computer Interactive

Visitors determine what molecules enable living things to move at this interactive computer exhibit. Four different animals are presented at higher and higher magnifications from the whole to the molecules responsible for their movement. In this case it's always the same molecules, myosin and actin, which interact to cause movement in many living things.

More Strength, More Molecules Moving

When a muscle is contracted, many myosin molecules pull on actin molecules causing movement. Try to imagine how many molecules are moving when you lift your leg to take a step forward or lift your arm to grab an object off a shelf. It is difficult to conceive the amount of molecules we use to do everyday activities. At this exhibit visitors squeeze a handle with one hand activating a scale that reveals how many actin and myosin molecules are interacting. Try squeezing the handle with less force. How many molecules interact?

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