More graphics of remarkable cell machinery

If you saw the animation of the bacterial flagellum, here are some more animations of
complex machinery that operates cells, the ATP synthase rotor. Also this one. (Note the warnings at the site about unauthorized use and overloading of browser caches at the first site.)

This file shows a movie of the little bacterial wheels. One wonders why larger organisms never made use of the wheel.

Also, here's an interesting interview with one of the researchers of rotary motion in cells:

When Prof. Paul Boyer advocated the rotation of ATP synthase 20 years ago, nobody listened to him. It was 1994 when things turned around. Dr. John Walker clarified the three-dimensional structure of ATP synthase. When Prof. Yoshida saw the stalk at the center of a spherical hexamer, he was shocked by the possibility of its rotation because he had not believed the ATP synthase would rotate. And then, he decided to do the experiments to prove the ATP synthase surely rotates.

[ ... ]

What Prof. Yoshida is currently concerned is that it seems fewer researchers conduct high-risk researches. “They have to write papers continually to get research funds, so they intend to conduct research with a future. However, it is also very important to work on research even under uncertainty because it may turn out novel achievement.” says Prof. Yoshida. He expects those courageous researchers will open new era with their bold ideas.

Well yes, Prof, one just has to ignore the braying herd. Often wrong but always together; that's why they make so much noise. Oh, and here's a French site as well.

If you like this blog, check out my award-winning book on the intelligent design controversy, By Design or by Chance?. You can read excerpts as well.