Force Generated by Two Kinesin Motors Depends on the Load Direction and Intermolecular Coupling.

Kinesins are molecular motors that carry cellular cargoes. While the mechanics of single kinesins are well characterized experimentally, the behavior of multiple kinesins varies considerably among experiments. The basis for this variability is unknown. Here, we resolve single-motor force measurements into a vertical component, which accelerates kinesin detachment, and a horizontal component, which decelerates the detachment when resisting the motor. This directionality, when the different experimental geometries are considered, can account for much of the variation in multiple motor dynamics.