Quantum biology

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Quantum biology is a speculative and interdisciplinary field that seeks to link quantum physics and the life sciences[1]. Essentially, it is an attempt to study biological processes in terms of quantum mechanics (QM), using quantum theory to study the structure, energy transfer and chemical reactions of biological molecules [2] in an effort to apply quantum principles to macroscopic systems as opposed to the atomic or subatomic realms generally described by quantum theory. Quantum biology uses mathematical computation to model biological interactions in light of QM effects [3]. An unresolved and still controversial issue in this field is that of non-trivial (i.e. not limited to properties of molecules) role of quantum effects in biological systems [4] [5] [6].


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[edit] Studies

Some of the biological phenomena that have been studied in terms of quantum processes are the absorbance of frequency-specific radiation (i.e., photosynthesis and vision)[7]; the conversion of chemical energy into motion[8]; magnetoreception in animals[9] and brownian motors in many cellular processes.[10] The field has also been active in researching QM analysis of magnetic fields and bird navigation,[11] and may possibly shed light on Circadian rhythms in many organisms.[12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tae-Chang Kim, Eric Chaisson (1999). Science, Education and Future Generations. Taylor & Francis Ltd, p 26. ISBN 978-9057005381. 
  2. ^ Ian Brown, Zengliang Yu, Thiraphat Vilaithong (2005). Introduction to Ion Beam Biotechnology. Springer-Verlag New York Inc, p 97. ISBN 978-0387255316. 
  3. ^ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070116133617.htm Science Daily Quantum Biology: Powerful Computer Models Reveal Key Biological Mechanism Retrieved Oct 14, 2007
  4. ^ H.M. Wiseman, J. Eisert Nontrivial quantum effects in biology: A skeptical physicists' view arXiv:0705.1232v2 [physics.gen-ph]
  5. ^ Davies PC.Does quantum mechanics play a non-trivial role in life? Biosystems. 2004 Dec;78(1-3):69-79.
  6. ^ Ogryzko VV. Erwin Schroedinger, Francis Crick and epigenetic stability.Biol Direct. 2008 Apr 17;3:15.http://www.biology-direct.com/content/3/1/15
  7. ^ Garab, G. (1999). Photosynthesis: Mechanisms and Effects: Proceedings of the XIth International Congress on Photosynthesis. Kluwer Academic Publishers. ISBN 978-0792355472. 
  8. ^ Levine, Raphael D. (2005). Molecular Reaction Dynamics. Cambridge University Press, p 16-18. ISBN 978-0521842761. 
  9. ^ Binhi, Vladimir N. (2002). Magnetobiology: Underlying Physical Problems. Academic Press, pp 14-16. ISBN 978-0121000714. 
  10. ^ Harald Krug, Harald Brune, Gunter Schmid, Ulrich Simon, Viola Vogel, Daniel Wyrwa, Holger Ernst, Armin Grunwald, Werner Grunwald, Heinrich Hofmann (2006). Nanotechnology: Assessment and Perspectives. Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, pp 197-240. ISBN 978-3540328193. 
  11. ^ http://rodgers.org.uk/research/ Chris Rodgers, The Spin Chemistry of Bird Navigation 2005
  12. ^ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070827174303.htm Math Model For Circadian Rhythm Created, ScienceDaily, August 30, 2007

[edit] Further reading

  • Atomistic approaches in modern biology : from quantum chemistry to molecular simulations by Markus Reiher; L Bertini. Berlin ; New York : Springer, 2007. ISBN 9783540380825
  • Molecular structure and dynamics in biology. by Roman Osman; Guiliano Alagona; Caterina Ghio; International Society for Quantum Biology and Pharmacology.Wiley, 1999. OCLC: 82140679
  • Theoretical chemistry in biology : from molecular structure to functional mechanisms. by Peter Kollman; Harel Weinstein John Wiley and Sons, 1998. OCLC: 80429626

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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