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The detailed structure and chemistry of the various systems used in the design and synthesis of molecularcomponents is beyond the scope of this text. However, we will provide a general overview of a few molecular structures that are instrumentalin the design of mobile, functional molecules. With the introduction of each molecular mechanical component, we will provide comparisonswith its macroscopic counterpart in order to clarify the functionality of each system.

Bearings

Bearings are structures that function to reduce energy loss to friction during various processes. Bearings are foundin almost every rotating part of your car and facilitate smooth rotation of parts from the wheel up to the transmission. Researchershave investigated various systems to replicate this function on the molecular level. Here we take a look at the molecular bearing designedby scientists working in Japan. A monolayer of tightly packed C60 molecules was sandwiched between two single sheets of graphite to forma molecular bearing. The structure resulted in an ultra-lubricated system with zero frictional forces when the graphite sheets were movedalong the rotating C60 molecules(figure 3).

Molecular Bearings Left: The C60 molecular bearings consist of a single layer of tightly packedC60 molecules to create a frictionless system of sliding-translational motion of the graphite sheets. Therotating C60 moleculesallow for smooth movement of the graphite sheets. Right: A ball bearing that is used to facilitate reduced friction rotation ofwheels. The rotating metallic balls allow for smooth rotation of the outside ring surrounding the balls.

Axles

Axles function to transfer mechanical energy to turn a specific object such as a wheel. An effective axle ischaracterized by two functions: 1) it must be able to rotate freely and 2) must be in a fixed, linear position. The axle must be able torotate freely because its function is dependent on its ability to transfer mechanical energy to rotate an attached structure. In thecase of an automobile, the axle functions to transfer energy generated by the engine to rotate the wheels of the vehicle. An axle must be ina fixed, linear position because it must provide enough support to withstand forces placed on it, such as the weight of a chassis. On themolecular scale, the two functions of an effective rotor are encompassed in the structure of a triple bond, as opposed to single ordouble bonds (figure 4). A single bond is able to rotate freely, but is not in a fixed linear position. On the other hand, double bonds arein a fixed position, but are unable to rotate.

Molecular Axles: Here, bonds between benzene molecules are used to illustrate the differences betweensingle, triple, and double bonds. The differences in the characteristics of the three types covalent bonds describedabove differentiate their functionality as molecular axles. An axle must be fixed in a linear structure and be able to rotatealong the axis of the bond. A single bond (left) is able to rotate, but does not provide a fixed angle and position. Adouble bond (right) is fixed in a 180°angle, but is inhibited from rotational motion. A triple bond (center) is both fixedin a linear position and capable of rotating freely, therefore the most viable option for a molecular axle.

Questions & Answers

how does Neisseria cause meningitis
Nyibol Reply
what is microbiologist
Muhammad Reply
what is errata
Muhammad
is the branch of biology that deals with the study of microorganisms.
Ntefuni Reply
What is microbiology
Mercy Reply
studies of microbes
Louisiaste
when we takee the specimen which lumbar,spin,
Ziyad Reply
How bacteria create energy to survive?
Muhamad Reply
Bacteria doesn't produce energy they are dependent upon their substrate in case of lack of nutrients they are able to make spores which helps them to sustain in harsh environments
_Adnan
But not all bacteria make spores, l mean Eukaryotic cells have Mitochondria which acts as powerhouse for them, since bacteria don't have it, what is the substitution for it?
Muhamad
they make spores
Louisiaste
what is sporadic nd endemic, epidemic
Aminu Reply
the significance of food webs for disease transmission
Abreham
food webs brings about an infection as an individual depends on number of diseased foods or carriers dully.
Mark
explain assimilatory nitrate reduction
Esinniobiwa Reply
Assimilatory nitrate reduction is a process that occurs in some microorganisms, such as bacteria and archaea, in which nitrate (NO3-) is reduced to nitrite (NO2-), and then further reduced to ammonia (NH3).
Elkana
This process is called assimilatory nitrate reduction because the nitrogen that is produced is incorporated in the cells of microorganisms where it can be used in the synthesis of amino acids and other nitrogen products
Elkana
Examples of thermophilic organisms
Shu Reply
Give Examples of thermophilic organisms
Shu
advantages of normal Flora to the host
Micheal Reply
Prevent foreign microbes to the host
Abubakar
they provide healthier benefits to their hosts
ayesha
They are friends to host only when Host immune system is strong and become enemies when the host immune system is weakened . very bad relationship!
Mark
what is cell
faisal Reply
cell is the smallest unit of life
Fauziya
cell is the smallest unit of life
Akanni
ok
Innocent
cell is the structural and functional unit of life
Hasan
is the fundamental units of Life
Musa
what are emergency diseases
Micheal Reply
There are nothing like emergency disease but there are some common medical emergency which can occur simultaneously like Bleeding,heart attack,Breathing difficulties,severe pain heart stock.Hope you will get my point .Have a nice day ❣️
_Adnan
define infection ,prevention and control
Innocent
I think infection prevention and control is the avoidance of all things we do that gives out break of infections and promotion of health practices that promote life
Lubega
Heyy Lubega hussein where are u from?
_Adnan
en français
Adama
which site have a normal flora
ESTHER Reply
Many sites of the body have it Skin Nasal cavity Oral cavity Gastro intestinal tract
Safaa
skin
Asiina
skin,Oral,Nasal,GIt
Sadik
How can Commensal can Bacteria change into pathogen?
Sadik
How can Commensal Bacteria change into pathogen?
Sadik
all
Tesfaye
by fussion
Asiina
what are the advantages of normal Flora to the host
Micheal
what are the ways of control and prevention of nosocomial infection in the hospital
Micheal
what is inflammation
Shelly Reply
part of a tissue or an organ being wounded or bruised.
Wilfred
what term is used to name and classify microorganisms?
Micheal Reply
Binomial nomenclature
adeolu
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Source:  OpenStax, Nanotechnology: content and context. OpenStax CNX. May 09, 2007 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10418/1.1
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