Abstract
Although quantum mechanics is fundamental for understanding molecular mechanisms in physics and chemistry, it has usually been assumed to be unimportant for understanding molecular mechanisms of biological systems. However, there is increasing evidence that quantum mechanics is important for understanding some biological phenomena (Lambert et al., 2013), such as energy transfer in photosynthesis (Fassioli et al., 2014), navigation by birds using the earth's magnetic field (Hiscock et al., 2016), and electron and hydrogen tunneling in biochemical reactions (Klinman and Kohen, 2013). There have also been proposals that quantum mechanics may help explain aspects of brain function.
Highlights
Quantum mechanics is fundamental for understanding molecular mechanisms in physics and chemistry, it has usually been assumed to be unimportant for understanding molecular mechanisms of biological systems
There is increasing evidence that quantum mechanics is important for understanding some biological phenomena (Lambert et al, 2013), such as energy transfer in photosynthesis (Fassioli et al, 2014), navigation by birds using the earth’s magnetic field (Hiscock et al, 2016), and electron and hydrogen tunneling in biochemical reactions (Klinman and Kohen, 2013)
Another topic that emerged was whether quantum mechanisms might be employed by the brain to perform calculations, i.e., the possibility of quantum computing in the brain (Penrose, 1989)
Summary
Further developments began to highlight the possibility that quantum mechanics might help explain neural mechanisms involved in consciousness or synaptic function (Stapp, 1991; Beck and Eccles, 1992). The model includes specific biochemical components that could be employed for quantum processing in glutamatergic neurotransmission It has potential relevance for molecular mechanisms underlying normal neural function, such as glutamatergic dependent neurocognitive systems, as well as psychiatric treatments such as lithium. This model is based on a quantum phenomenon that underlies something already familiar to neuroscience—magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Atlas, 2009).
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