Unlocking the potential of information flow: Maximizing free-energy transduction in a model of an autonomous rotary molecular motor
Grelier M, Sivak DA, Ehrich J (2024)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2024
Journal
Book Volume: 109
Article Number: 034115
Journal Issue: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034115
Abstract
Molecular motors fulfill critical functions within all living beings. Understanding their underlying working principles is therefore of great interest. Here we develop a simple model inspired by the two-component biomolecular motor Fo-F1 ATP synthase. We analyze its energetics and characterize information flows between the machine's components. At maximum output power we find that information transduction plays a minor role for free-energy transduction. However, when the two components are coupled to different environments (e.g., when in contact with heat baths at different temperatures), we show that information flow becomes a resource worth exploiting to maximize free-energy transduction. Our findings suggest that real-world powerful and efficient information engines could be found in machines whose components are subjected to fluctuations of different strength, since in this situation the benefit gained from using information for work extraction can outweigh the costs of information generation.
Involved external institutions
Canada (CA)How to cite
APA:
Grelier, M., Sivak, D.A., & Ehrich, J. (2024). Unlocking the potential of information flow: Maximizing free-energy transduction in a model of an autonomous rotary molecular motor. Physical Review E, 109(3). https://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034115
MLA:
Grelier, Mathis, David A. Sivak, and Jannik Ehrich. "Unlocking the potential of information flow: Maximizing free-energy transduction in a model of an autonomous rotary molecular motor." Physical Review E 109.3 (2024).
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