Fig. 3

Mathematical model of the molecular ensemble of motors and diffusing microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). a Multiple MAPs (red) and motors (blue) are randomly distributed on the surface, forming a molecular lawn. Stabilized microtubule (MT) moves under force from kinesin motors in the presence of thermal noise. b, c Summary of kinetic transitions. Molecules bind stochastically to the 4 nm sites on the MT wall, and their unbinding is increased by force. Stepping of the motors and diffusional steps of the MAPs are also force dependent. The motor dissociates from the MT end and the MT wall at the same rate. The MAP molecule can dissociate from the MT end fully or continue to diffuse on the MT wall