Mechanics of biomolecules

Over the last few years molecular biomechanics has emerged as a new field in which theoretical and experimental studies of the mechanics of proteins and nucleic acids have become a focus, and the importance of mechanical forces and motions to the fundamentals of biology and biochemistry has begun to be recognized. In particular, single-molecule biomechanics of DNA extension, bending and twisting; protein domain motion, deformation and unfolding; and the generation of mechanical forces and motions by biomolecular motors has become a new frontier in life sciences. There is an increasing need for a more systematic study of the basic issues involved in molecular biomechanics, and a more active participation of researchers in applied mechanics. Here we review some of the advances in this field over the last few years, explore the connection between mechanics and biochemistry, and discuss the concepts, issues, approaches and challenges, aiming to stimulating a broader interest in developing molecular biomechanics. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.