Final Answer:
The trailing head of kinesin is responsible for binding to the microtubule and generating movement through ATP hydrolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trailing head of kinesin plays a crucial role in the movement of cellular cargo along microtubules. Kinesin is a motor protein that moves along microtubules, powered by the hydrolysis of ATP. The trailing head binds to the microtubule, and as ATP is hydrolyzed, it undergoes a conformational change that propels the kinesin forward. This movement allows kinesin to transport various cellular components to their intended destinations within the cell.
The trailing head’s binding to the microtubule is facilitated by its interaction with tubulin, a key component of microtubules. As ATP is hydrolyzed, the trailing head releases from the microtubule, allowing it to move forward and continue its transport function. This process of ATP hydrolysis and conformational changes in the trailing head enables kinesin to move efficiently along the microtubule tracks, facilitating intracellular transport.
Kinesin’s mechanism of movement involving the trailing head has been extensively studied through biochemical and structural analyses, providing insights into the intricate molecular interactions that drive this essential cellular process.