----------- L. Mahadevan and P. Matsudaira: Motility powered by supramolecular springs and ratchets. (Science 7 Apr 00 288:95) QY: P. Matsudaira [matsu@wi.mit.eduThe retraction of the stalk of Vorticella (and of other ciliates of this type: peritrich ciliates) is caused not by the sliding action of a motor protein but by a spring that operates according to a simple mechanism: the entropic collapse of polymeric filaments.
Just as muscles magnify forces and movements by a geometrical hierarchy, these unusual mechanochemical engines use a similar principle: small changes in a protein subunit are amplified by the linear arrangement of proteins in filaments and bundles.
...biological springs are active mechanochemical devices that store the energy of conformation of proteins in certain chemical bonds that act as latches. In the absence of an external force, the potential energy is released and converted into mechanical movement when the chemical bonds are broken.
When exposed to calcium ions, but to no external energy source, the spasmoneme contracts in a few milliseconds to 40 percent of its length at velocities approaching 8 centimeters per second.
In terms of specific power per unit mass, the spasmoneme is among the most powerful biological engines.
100X objective, 2.5X photo-eyepiece. Canon 350D. Circular-oblique lighting.
This is absolutely awesome. A biological engine!! The explaination of this is equally awesome and mind boggling. Thanks! 
Not implying that it is incorrect terminology but just that it is the first time I have ever encountered it. 
Whooooa! 
...I should have known 
. He litterly blew me away with the Aeolosomas information. Thanks to you too Walter.