Exploring the Intersection of Quantum and Biology

Aug 11, 2024

Lecture on Quantum Biology

Introduction

  • Speaker: A physicist with experience in nuclear physics.
  • Previous lectures by Steven Hawking and Carlo Rovelli.
  • Established an annual lecture series at his university, with Roger Penrose as the inaugural speaker.

Quantum Biology Overview

  • Quantum Biology: A field combining physics, chemistry, and molecular biology.
  • Historical Context: Schrodinger's book "What is Life?" (1940s) explored quantum mechanics' role in biology.

Key Concepts in Quantum Mechanics

  • Newtonian Mechanics: Describes macroscopic objects like tennis balls.
  • Quantum Mechanics: Necessary for objects at the nanometer scale.
  • Classical vs. Quantum: Transition from classical mechanics to quantum mechanics at the nanometer scale.
  • Quantum Effects: Essential for understanding atomic and molecular structures.

Quantum Mechanics in Physics and Chemistry

  • Physics: Fundamental particles (quarks, leptons) and their interactions are explained by quantum mechanics.
  • Chemistry: Modern periodic table and chemical properties explained by quantum mechanics.
  • Quantum Mechanics' Impact: Electronics, atomic structures, and fundamental particle understanding.
  • Quantum Weirdness: Counterintuitive behaviors like particles being in multiple states simultaneously.

Quantum Mechanics and Biology

  • Biological Avoidance: Historically, biologists have not extensively used quantum mechanics.
  • Recent Developments: Emergence of quantum biology exploring non-trivial quantum effects in living systems.
  • Non-Trivial Quantum Effects:
    • Quantum Coherence: Long-lived quantum states.
    • Quantum Superposition: Particles in multiple states simultaneously.
    • Quantum Tunneling: Particles passing through energy barriers.
    • Quantum Entanglement: Interconnected particles influencing each other across distances.

Quantum Biology in Practice

  • Magneto Reception in Birds: European Robins use quantum entanglement in their eyes for navigation.
  • Photosynthesis: Quantum mechanics might explain the high efficiency of photon energy transfer in plants.
  • Smell: Quantum tunneling might play a role in the sense of smell.
  • DNA Mutations: Proton tunneling in DNA may lead to genetic mutations.

Historical Context of Quantum Biology

  • Pioneers: Early 20th-century physicists like Niels Bohr and Pascal Jordan explored quantum mechanics in biology.
  • Schrodinger's Influence: His book inspired researchers like Crick and Watson.
  • Jordan's Controversial Role: Despite significant contributions, Jordan's association with Nazism discredited his work.
  • Schrodinger's Hypothesis: Life might utilize quantum effects seen in materials near absolute zero.

Quantum Tunneling in DNA

  • Proton Tunneling: Protons moving between DNA strands can cause mutations.
  • Simulation Findings: High probability of proton tunneling, leading to potential mutations.
  • DNA Replication: Enzyme helicase might mitigate quantum effects to prevent excessive mutations.

Quantum Biology Research and Future

  • Research Efforts: Establishment of doctoral training centers and ongoing research in quantum effects in biology.
  • Challenges: Lack of acceptance from traditional physicists, chemists, and biologists.
  • Speculative Areas: Quantum mechanics role in cancer, origin of life, and consciousness.
  • Current Understanding: Life uses and mitigates quantum effects for survival and efficiency.

Conclusion

  • Life's Adaptation: Life evolves to utilize beneficial quantum effects while mitigating harmful ones.
  • Acknowledgments: Collaboration with computational chemists and PhD students.

[Applause]